The Association of Lawyers for Freedom (ÖHD) Urfa (Riha) Branch has publicly released a report detailing heavy human rights violations in Tokat Prison.

Speaking at the press conference held at the association’s office, Prison Commission co-spokesperson Serhat Kurt stated that prisoners’ right to health is being systematically obstructed and that they are subjected to degrading treatment.

Seriously ill prisoners denied treatment 

Kurt emphasized that inmates are being denied hospital transfers and access to healthcare services for refusing oral cavity searches, a practice that violates both the right to life and human dignity. The report reveals that numerous seriously ill prisoners — including those with hypertension, cancer, and heart disease — are not receiving treatment.

Sentences extend​​​​​​​ed for political reasons

The report also notes that the Prison Administration and Observation Board asks prisoners political questions about the PKK and Abdullah Öcalan, and that the answers are used as grounds to delay the execution of their sentences. Some inmates have had their releases postponed multiple times, a practice described as unlawful.

Discrimination, censorship and arbitrary practices

According to the report, political prisoners are being denied the right to phone and video calls, subjected to censorship of books and TV broadcasts, and endure frequent and harassing searches. Requests to be transferred to facilities near their families have been rejected, violating the principle of respect for private and family life.

Call to international bodies

ÖHD has called on the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), the Human Rights and Equality Institution of Turkey (TİHEK), as well as the Ministries of Justice and Health and the Parliamentary Human Rights Commission to take action. The report stresses the urgent need for effective judicial and oversight mechanisms in response to these violations.

The comprehensive report concludes with 36 recommendations, highlighting the responsibility of Tokat Prison’s administration for the documented abuses.