Serhat Eren, a MP for the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) representing Diyarbakır (Amed), visited political prisoners in Elazığ No. 2 High-Security Prison to investigate ongoing human rights violations. After the visit, he made a statement in front of the prison, emphasizing that torture and ill-treatment were being systematically carried out inside the facility.
Eren shared details from his meeting with prisoner Ömer Salih Cuma and said that Cuma had been tortured by guards during a cell search. He reported that ward raids were taking place in the early morning and late at night, during which guards subjected prisoners to degrading treatment. He also stated that prisoners who were eligible for release were being blocked by decisions issued by the Administrative and Monitoring Boards. He said, “Many prisoners are being denied release. Sick prisoners’ requests for hospital transfers are ignored. Some have not been taken to the hospital for over a year. Political prisoners are excluded from all social and artistic activities.”
Eren also noted that prisoners are being pressured to transfer to cells where others accused of the same offense are being held, and that compliance with this condition is being used as a prerequisite for release. He added, “Due to these inhumane practices, the prisoners have started a hunger strike.”
The Ministry of Justice must take action
Eren stated that the prisoners had begun a rotating hunger strike in groups of three. He said, “They will continue their action until these practices come to an end. These practices must stop. They are harming the Peace and Democratic Society Process. That is why these unlawful and unjust practices must be brought to an end immediately. The Ministry of Justice must take action without delay.”
Source: ANF News
