According to the 2019 report of the Human Rights Association (İHD), there are 334 sick prisoners 458 of whom are seriously ill. Sick prisoners are at the top of the most risky groups in the coronavirus (Kovid-19) epidemic that is spreading around the world. In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Justice announced that measures were taken in prisons against the virus. However, the public's concerns remain, considering that the measures are inadequate.

 

Ankara Medical Chamber (ATO) Secretary General Ali Karakoç stated that elderly prisoners and those who have chronic diseases are in the risk group and said: "Prison capacity has increased considerably after 2015. This is an indication that there is no humanitarian environment in prison in itself. Infectious diseases pose a higher risk in these crowded environments". Karakoç called out for the release of the old and sick prisoners.

 

Drawing attention to the importance of personal hygiene, Karakoç said: "But the prisoners do not have access to showers whenever they want. They have limited time for a bath and a schedule. This should be avoided as soon as possible. Necessary precautions should be taken if the prisoners' health and safety is under government protection. The necessary materials for hygiene should be distributed free of charge to people in prison, and convicts and prisoners should not have to go and buy themselves from canteens. Prisoners are being held in overpopulated small rooms. These places should be de aerated and the prisoners should be let out frequently for clean air. They have to have a strong immune system to resist the virus and therefore the nutritional needs must be improved.

 

'PRISON EMPLOYEES ARE A RISK'

 

Stating that the prison employees constantly going home and coming back poses a great threat against the prisoners, said the employees should not use public transportation and must be isolated from the society. These are the forefront people to carry the virus in the prisons."

 

 

MA / Emrullah Acar