Call on Turkey to act now to protect the health of all prisoners during the pandemic | View in browser.

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. Now 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. 

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.  

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.

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.