Rights violations in prisons continue to be reported, particularly against ill prisoners. In recent months, disciplinary investigations have reportedly been used to block releases, while access to treatment for ill prisoners remains a major concern.

 

Özkan Çelik was detained in 2017 in the Tatos (Tekman) district of Erzurum and arrested on the charge of “disrupting the unity of the state.” His trial is still ongoing. It is stated that he was injured at the time of his detention and subjected to severe torture in custody, which led to a tear in a brain vessel. Despite his condition, he was sent to prison before completing his treatment.

 

He was previously held in prisons in Erzîrom (Erzurum) and Wan (Van), and three years ago was transferred to Trabzon Beşikdüzü Prison without his request.

 

Çelik, who is held in Trabzon Beşikdüzü T-Type Closed Prison, had one open and one closed artery operation after a blockage was detected. Speaking about his son’s condition, Ahmet Çelik said: “One of his veins was blocked. He underwent two surgeries. Now they are not giving him the medication that ensures blood flow. He should be taking four medicines a day, but they give him only one. His condition is getting worse.”

 

Father said that his son’s basic needs are met by his cellmates and that the family has not been able to visit for a long time. Originally from the Malazgirt (Melezgir) district of Mûş (Muş), the family said they were forced to migrate to Istanbul due to pressure and economic hardship.

 

Stating that his son’s health is deteriorating day by day, Çelik said: “What is being done is torture.” He also stated that prison authorities do not deliver newspapers to prisoners and have confiscated their books.

 

MA / Ceylan Şahinli