Call for united struggle against violations in prisons

2025-06-25 12:57:35


	ISTANBUL – Mehmet Zeki Kılıç, Co-chair of the Marmara Association for Solidarity and Assistance with Prisoners and Their Families (MATUHAYDER), called for a collective fight against the ongoing unlawful practices in prisons, emphasizing that the current conditions are a major obstacle to democratization.

	Discussions about the democratic resolution of the Kurdish issue continue, with prisons, ill prisoners, and decisions of the Administration and Observation Board being central topics. The exclusion of anticipated reforms in the 10th Judicial Package and ongoing dual application of enforcement laws have sparked widespread criticism. 

	 

	Kılıç highlighted the presence of many seriously ill prisoners and those whose sentences have ended yet remain incarcerated. He drew attention to the forced pressure on prisoners to express remorse after long imprisonments. Despite medical reports confirming the critical conditions of ill prisoners, arbitrary decisions keep them behind bars. Kılıç asserted that the state is not upholding its own laws. 

	 

	Stressing that unilateral efforts are insufficient to solve these issues, Kılıç called for creating a peaceful and democratic environment for the entire society. He expressed disappointment with the 10th Judicial Package, stating: “There were expectations at least for sick prisoners, those whose sentences have expired, and life-sentenced inmates. However, the government has shown no sincerity, and arbitrary practices continue. For example, there are 72 seriously ill prisoners in Bolu Prison who should be released immediately, yet no steps have been taken. Instead, when they go before the board, postponements of six months are arbitrarily granted.”

	 

	‘CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE IS NECESSARY’

	 

	Kılıç attributed Turkey’s anti-democratic problems to its constitution and criticized the vague and broad use of the “terror” definition by the state. He stressed the necessity of reforming the Anti-Terror Law (TMK): “They have built a policy and constitutional framework entirely based on terror. You cannot deny the existence of over 30 million people in this country based on such a concept. Therefore, constitutional change is essential for democratization, as well as reforming certain legal terms. People demanding their rights or going on strike are labeled terrorists and imprisoned. Even conducting street interviews can result in such accusations.”

	 

	‘THE RIGHT TO HOPE MUST BE GRANTED’

	 

	Highlighting the need to grant the right to hope for Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan to play his role, Kılıç emphasized this right as a fundamental human right recognized in international agreements Turkey has signed: “The state must grant Mr. Öcalan the right to hope, as well as many others, especially those serving aggravated life sentences. Yet, arbitrary practices continue according to the state’s interests.”

	 

	‘LET’S UNITE OUR VOICES’

	 

	Stressing that prisoners’ freedom and society’s ability to freely express itself are fundamental conditions for peace, Kılıç concluded: “We call on all of society, especially families of prisoners, to organize and respond to this process together in a united struggle. Let’s make our voices heard everywhere necessary. Our children’s struggles prove how just we are. Friends who have spent 30 years in prisons are finally being released with strong morale and motivation. Let’s unite against these unlawful practices and raise our voices together.”

	 

	MA / Yeşim Tükel