ÊLIH – The Human Rights Association (IHD) Êlih (Batman) Branch reported that ongoing water shortages and unsafe drinking water at Batman Closed Prison, Batman T-Type Closed Prison, and Batman L-Type Open Prison have seriously violated the right to life and health of prisoners. 

 

Speaking at a press conference, IHD Prison Commission Co-spokesperson Zana Yucel Bozkurt said that complaints from prisoners and families have continued for over a month, and their on-site visit confirmed serious violations. 

 

FINDINGS 

 

Key Findings from the report are as follows: 

 

“*Tap water is available only for 30 minutes to 2 hours per day.

 

*Prisoners are deprived of basic hygiene under extreme summer heat.

 

*Common areas are unsanitary due to lack of cleaning, raising risk of infectious diease. 

 

*The available water is poor quality, leading to widespread cases of diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and headaches among prisoners. 

 

*At least 40 prisoners were hospitalized, but many others were denied hospital referrals, delaying treatment.” 

 

VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS

 

Bozkurt stressed that these are not just technical issues, but human rights violations, breaching national and international standards. Reminding the state is fully responsible for ensuring the basic needs of those in its custody he said: “In a place without water, there can be no talk of dignity, health or hygiene.”

 

DEMANDS

 

“*Immediate end to water cuts

 

*Uninterrupted access to clean drinking and utility water

 

*Urgent hospital referral for affected prisoners

 

*Improvement of prison hygiene conditions

 

*Independent testing of water quality, with results made public

 

*Administrative and criminal investigations into those responsible

 

*Full access for independent monitoring delegations to all prisons”