Call on Turkey to act now to protect the health of all prisoners during the
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[[link removed]] Activists with images of imprisoned Turkish journalists and writers, including
Ahmet Altan (Netherlands, 2017)
Dear John,
On November 4, 2019, Turkish author Ahmet Altan ( pictured above ) was finally free after three years in prison for speaking out against the
government. One week later, Ahmet was cruelly re-arrested and given a ten-year
sentence.
Ahmet is one of thousands of people behind bars in Turkey for simply expressing their beliefs. N ow 70-year-old Ahmet and other prisoners face an unprecedented risk to their
health: COVID-19.
As the pandemic spreads at an alarming rate across Turkey, the lives of
prisoners and staff in overcrowded and unsanitary prisons are at serious risk.
At least three prisoners have died, and 17 prisoners and 79 prison staff have
tested positive so far in Turkey’s prisons.
This is a crucial time to call for the immediate release of all prisoners at
heightened risk – and those who shouldn't be in prison in the first place.
Please urge Turkey's Minister of Justice to release those who have been unfairly
imprisoned and others at particular risk from COVID-19.
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On April 13th, the Turkish Parliament passed a law that could enable the early
release of up to 90,000 prisoners.
This is a very welcome decision, but without further action, far too many people
– including journalists, human rights defenders, lawyers, opposition politicians
and activists – will be left behind bars.
Prisoners like Ahmet are not eligible for early release because they have been
sentenced under anti-terrorism laws, despite absence of evidence that they
supported violence. In Turkey, anti-terrorism legislation is widely abused in
trumped up cases against people who express dissenting opinions.
In addition to prisoners of conscience, we're urging Turkey to release prisoners
who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 , such as older prisoners and those with serious medical conditions. The
authorities must also ensure that those who cannot be released have access to
medical attention and healthcare to the same standards that are available in the
community.
An early release for some prisoners is an important step, but it’s not enough. Call on the Turkish authorities to ensure they take all necessary measures to
protect the health of all prisoners without discrimination.
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Whether in Turkey or in Canada, people in prisons are particularly vulnerable to
the spread of COVID-19 due to unsanitary living conditions, the impossibility of
physical distancing and inadequate healthcare.
Amnesty International is urging all governments to implement measures to reduce
the risks to prisoners and staff, including releasing prisoners who are
especially vulnerable and those who do not pose a serious risk to public safety,
and providing safe housing and other services upon their release.
Thank you for joining this urgent call on Turkey to protect the lives of all
prisoners.
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Yours truly,
Hilary Homes
Crisis Campaigner
Amnesty International Canada
P.S. Prisons around the world are at risk of becoming dangerous hotspots for
COVID-19. This is a critical time for Turkey to act now and prevent major outbreaks in
their prisons. Please urge the Turkish government to take immediate action to protect the
lives of all prisoners.
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