According to the Human Rights Association's 2023 prison report, the release of at least 426 prisoners was prevented by the imposition of "regret", lack of "well behavior" and allegations of "disciplinary punishments". One of the prisoners whose release was prevented is the ill prisoner Abdülaziz Kolanç (53), who has been in prison for 31 years.

 

Kolanç, who was sentenced to life imprisonment by the State Security Court (DGM) after being detained in Izmir in 1994, on the charge of "disrupting the unity and integrity of the state", is being held in Afyon Type T Closed Prison. The release of Kolanç, who completed his execution in September 2023 and was expected to be released, was blocked for 3 months on the grounds of "disciplinary punishment". Finally, in June, Kolanç's release was postponed for the third time for 3 months for the same reason.

 

GREAT INJUSTICE

 

Kolanç's family, who lives in Cizîr (Cizre) district of Şirnex (Şırnak-Kurdistan), is reacting to the situation. Kolanç's nephew, İslam Atça, stated that his uncle's release was blocked 3 times and that the state did not implement its own law. Stating that his uncle had been held in prison for 31 years, Atça said: “My uncle was arrested in Izmir in 1994. My uncle was supposed to be released in 2023. However, his release has been blocked three times for 3 months each, citing disciplinary penalties. We want my uncle to be released. Because my uncle is ill and has been fighting against diseases in prison for 31 years. This is a great injustice. If you are a Kurd in this geography, they impose everything and everything you do is considered a crime. Turkey always says 'I am lawful and fair'. However, even though my uncle's sentence is over, the law is not implemented. We want the Ministry of Justice to hear our voices and put an end to this unlawfulness."

 

CALL FOR SENSITIVITY

 

Stating that his uncle's health condition is getting worse day by day, Atça said: “My uncle has diseases such as stomach bleeding, blood pressure and diabetes. He is being treated with medications. A person who has been in prison for 30 years will have diseases whether he wants it or not. However, his release is prevented each time, citing disciplinary punishment. What crime can a person in prison commit? We condemn this unlawfulness. Because they are political prisoners, their release is prevented. Every time they ask the prisoners, 'Do you regret it?' What did these people do that they regret it? Those who claim their language and existence are seen as 'terrorists' in the eyes of the state."

 

Demanding that his uncle be released as soon as possible, “These people who were unfairly arrested and then sentenced to life imprisonment are not released even though they have completed their sentences. Everyone needs to raise their voice against this unlawfulness" Atça said.