Human rights violations in Turkish prisons, particularly against political prisoners, continue to increase. Recent applications filed against these abuses indicate that practices such as isolation, restrictions on access to healthcare and limitations on communication have become systematic.
Lawyer Esra Bilen, who closely monitors the situation of political prisoners, spoke to ANF.
Isolation no longer an exception but a policy
One of the most fundamental problems in prisons is isolation, Esra Bilen said, noting that this practice has become increasingly widespread and describing the situation as follows: “Looking at prisons today, we see that none of the problems faced by political prisoners are incidental or isolated. On the contrary, we are dealing with a highly systematic and multi-layered structure.
Practices of isolation and segregation are no longer exceptional; they have become almost the core execution regime. Political prisoners are either completely separated from others and pushed into absolute solitude, or deliberately placed in environments with groups likely to create tension. This both heightens security concerns and creates a constant atmosphere of pressure and anxiety. The most basic human rights, such as living together, conversing, collective production and solidarity, are effectively eliminated. The system aims to isolate prisoners and strip them of organization by imposing the harshest form of individualism.”
Serious pressure on Kurdish language
Esra Bilen also stated that the right to freedom of expression and access to information is being severely violated in prisons, noting that opposition and Kurdish-language publications are systematically blocked. Drawing attention to the serious pressure on Kurdish, she said: “Today, in many prisons, opposition newspapers, Kurdish publications or politically themed books are not given to prisoners on the grounds that they are ‘objectionable.’ These arbitrary censorship practices have become routine. In some prisons, even the television channels that prisoners can watch are restricted by the administration, with only mainstream media being imposed. This is not just a matter of censorship; it also means systematically preventing prisoners from establishing a connection with the world, society and reality.”
Releases determined by political views
Bilen also pointed to the practices of Administrative and Observation Boards, stressing that release processes have become arbitrary, and said: “One of the most common problems we encounter is the arbitrary release policies carried out through ‘good conduct’ evaluations. The decisions of these boards are often not based on concrete or objective criteria. Rather than prisoners’ behavior, their ideological stance and political identity are taken as the basis. For this reason, people are not released for months, even years, despite having completed their sentences. This clearly amounts to a de facto extension of punishment and constitutes a serious rights violation.”
Living conditions violate human dignity
Bilen stated that the daily basic needs of political prisoners in prisons are not being met and added: “When we look at daily living conditions, the situation is extremely severe. Inadequate and unhealthy nutrition, hygiene problems, overpriced canteen products, limited access to clean water and heating issues are widespread. These are not merely matters of comfort; they directly concern the right to life. These conditions are even harsher for political prisoners. Taken together, prisons are no longer just places where freedom is restricted; they have turned into mechanisms of multifaceted pressure and attrition.”
Sick prisoners face life-threatening risks
Esra Bilen said the situation of sick prisoners is far more severe and that access to healthcare is seriously obstructed. Bilen also said: “For sick prisoners, the situation is much more critical. The most fundamental problem is the systematic obstruction of access to healthcare services. Hospital referrals can be delayed for months, and in some cases are not carried out at all. Even when a transfer takes place, prisoners are kept waiting for hours in transport vehicles. There is also the imposition of examinations in handcuffs, and those who refuse are sent back without receiving treatment. This directly poses a life-threatening risk, especially for seriously ill prisoners.
Prison infirmary services are inadequate, medications are provided late or replaced with substitutes, and access to specialist doctors is often not ensured. This leads to the progression of illnesses.”
Ill-treatment has become widespread and systematic
Esra Bilen also stated that ill-treatment in prisons has become widespread and she said: “Practices such as strip searches, oral cavity searches, examinations in handcuffs, and being held for long periods in cramped and airless transport vehicles create serious physical and psychological pressure. These are no longer isolated cases but have become systematic practices. Overcrowded wards, the denial of hygiene materials and unhealthy living conditions further aggravate this situation.”
Prisons mirror peace processes
Prisons are directly affected by political developments, Esra Bilen said, concluding her remarks as follows: “Prisons have always been among the most fragile and sensitive areas of society. For this reason, they are among the first places to be affected by political processes. Looking at the situation today, it is difficult to say that peace processes have a strong and positive reflection in prisons. On the contrary, such periods make prisons more vulnerable to provocations. As we have seen in the past, prisons become one of the first targets for structures seeking to sabotage the process. Attacks against prisoners, the increase in ill-treatment or the intensification of rights violations cannot be considered independent of this context.
Of course, these violations already show continuity. However, it would be insufficient to view what is happening during peace processes as merely ‘ordinary violations.’ Because these violations are not only directed at prisoners, but also at the very idea of peace and the possibility of social reconciliation. What happens in prisons is not detached from the outside; on the contrary, it is a direct reflection of the political climate of this country.”
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