A political prisoner, Tahsin Sağaltıcı, held in Antalya Pit-type Prison, has surpassed 230 days on an indefinite hunger strike that he launched with the demand to be transferred to another prison.
It was stated that Sağaltıcı, who was transferred in exile from Silivri Prison No. 9 to the pit-type prison in Antalya in 2023, has continued his action as his demands have not been met. His health condition has reportedly reached a critical stage.
He dropped to 42 kilograms, his condition worsens
In a phone call with his family, Sağaltıcı said that his health condition is steadily deteriorating.
Sağaltıcı described the problems he is experiencing as follows: “There is a burning sensation in my feet. I walk unsteadily, I have balance problems. I have difficulty holding my urine, sometimes I cannot control it. I have started to experience attention problems. I have sleep issues. I currently weigh 42 kilograms.”
These symptoms are considered to indicate serious health complications that emerge in the advanced stages of a hunger strike.
Lawyer: The situation is serious, the demand must be met immediately
Sağaltıcı’s lawyer, Naim Eminoğlu, stated that his client’s health condition has worsened.
Eminoğlu said: “Our client’s health condition has seriously deteriorated. He currently weighs 42 kilograms. He is experiencing balance problems and came to the last meeting in a wheelchair. Considering his health condition, his request must be met as soon as possible.”
Eminoğlu also called for the closure of pit-type prisons, stating that they are incompatible with human dignity.
Sağaltıcı has been imprisoned since 2021
It was reported that Tahsin Sağaltıcı has been in prison as a convicted prisoner since 2021.
After his sentence was upheld on charges including membership in an organization and various other accusations, Sağaltıcı, who was in detention, was transferred in 2023 from Silivri Prison No. 9 to Antalya YGC Pit-type Prison.
Sağaltıcı has been continuing his indefinite hunger strike for more than 230 days, demanding a transfer from pit-type prisons.