ISTANBUL - Hüseyin Ildan from the Solidarity with Prisoners Initiative, who stated that they will fight against violations of rights in prisons, called on the people to show solidarity.

 

The Solidarity with Prisoners Initiative (TDI) in Istanbul took action against violations of rights such as isolation in prisons, disciplinary punishments, access to health, strip search, physical and psychological violence. Within the scope of the 2-month action plan, which started on October 20, the initiative has made some statements so far and met with the relatives of the prisoners and non-governmental organizations. The initiative will continue its demonstrations and activities until December 19 to draw attention to the situation in prisons.

 

A MASS PRESS RELEASE WILL BE HELD  

 

Hüseyin İldan, one of the members of the initiative, pointed out that the pressure on prisoners is increasing day by day. Ildan stated that they aim to make the voices of the prisoners exposed to rights violations heard through their work, and said, “For this, we first came together with our prisoner families and organized breakfasts. We made statements in front of prisons. We will make statements in front of the Forensic Medicine Institute (ATK) and we will make a mass statement in the central parts of the city.”

 

ISSUES IN PRISONS

 

Pointing out that the violations in prisons increased especially during the pandemic, İldan stated that the detainees were left to their own fate. İldan said, “During the pandemic, they could not follow what was happening outside. Letters and books were not delivered. There are serious problems during counts, and the prisoners are prevented from speaking to their friends in the ward next to them. Social and cultural activities in prisons were completely banned. Sick prisoners are prevented from accessing treatment, many prisoners were held in prisons with arbitrary reasons, even though they served their time and should be released."

 

LAW OF WAR

 

Noting that these violations will increase with the new Type S prisons being built recently, İldan said, "Type S is a part of Type F. While 3-4 people can stay in F-Type, people will be held alone in cells in Type S Prisons. This means that oppression, violence and violation of rights will increase even more. The Ministry of Justice, MIT, police, prison administrations and courthouses are working together on this issue. This is the law of war. If we cannot defeat fascism, these attacks will increase even more."

 

CALL FOR SOLIDARITY

 

Expressing that they have come a long way with families, İldan said that they will meet with families more in the upcoming period. İldan said, “It can be said that we have started to make progress in organizing the struggle outside together. Participation in our events increased. This shows that what we are doing is right.” Emphasizing that the problems in the prison are not only the problems of the prisoners or their families, İldan said, “The people inside are not ordinary people. They are the leaders of the oppressed, of the Kurdish people, of different beliefs and communities. When they come out tomorrow, they will be in the fight again. Unions, professional organizations and associations are responsible for solving this problem. All democrats, leftists and socialists should show solidarity and participate in our events."