ISTANBUL- It was stated that 6 ordinary prisoners were driven to suicide as a result of torture and ill-treatment in Silivri No. 5 Type L Closed Prison. ÖHD Istanbul Branch noted that 60 guards tortured prisoners.

 

Association of Lawyers for Freedom (ÖHD) Istanbul Branch announced that 6 criminal prisoners were driven to suicide due to torture in Silivri No. 5 Type L Closed Prison. The lawyers, who made a written statement regarding the situation in question, said, “On April 6, 60 guards entered the ward where the ordinary prisoners were held and slapped one of the prisoners, threatining them with revenge when they get out of the prison. It was also stated that a ill prisoner had a panic attack as a result of the scuffle. 

 

WARDS RAIDED WITH 60 GUARDS

 

In the statement, it was emphasized that 60 guards raided the ward in the afternoon of the next day and said, "The prisoners conveyed to us that the guards threatened them, battered and tortured 6 prisoners, that one of the prisoners attempted suicide at the yard with his shoelaces and that even though the guards have seen the attempt, they did not intervene and the other prisoners rescued the prison attempting suicide."

 

TORTURE DRIVED THEM TO SUICIDE

 

Sharing the information that 6 prisoners attempted suicide swallowing at least 40 pills on April 8, ÖHD continued in its statement as follows: “One of the prisoners is now in intensive care; A phone call ban was imposed on other prisoners in order to prevent them from telling their families what happened. Although we asked about the claim that the remains of a prisoner was taken to Batman after he committed suicide, we could not get any information from the prison officers on this matter.

 

WE WILL BE FOLLOWING THE CASE CLOSELY

 

There are allegations of gross violations in Silivri Prison No. 5 violating the prohibition of torture and the right to life. While we state that we will be following the case closely, the obligation to enlighten these allegations rests with the Ministry of Justice. Therefore, we invite the Ministry of Justice to make an urgent statement regarding the life safety of the prisoners and the alleged violations of their rights.”