Special “Homeland Security Regulations” For Prisons

While the draft of the new homeland security act has been postponed for discussions at the parliament, Human Rights Foundation of Turkey warned on some of its practices for prisons.

Ayça Söylemez

Special “Homeland Security Regulations” For Prisons

As the new homeland security has stirred controversy regarding its amply duties for policemen, a similar debate is slowly emerging regarding its practice aimed for Turkey’s prisons. With the the act, the usage of tear gas, pressurized water and firearms - items banned according to the current Correction Facilities Service Law - will be allowed.

Highlights from the act draft

On 27 June 2014, the new Correction Facilities Service Law has passed from the justice commission of the parliament and is now pending at the parliament.

According to Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TİHV), the new law regulated the following:

* Tear gas, pressurized water and firearms as basic intervention equipment

* Allowing of forcing, handcuffs

* Allowance of gun usage with no hesitation

* Allowance to special operations in prisons in case of riots and violence movements

* Enhanced surveillance

* Full confidentiality of security staff in case of investigation

* Limitless search permits

* More prison sentence to banners

46 dead in 2014

TİHV urged authorities to withdraw the proposal, saying that the regulations will gift the prison guards with all sorts of torture and killing powers.

As of January 2015, there are at least 158,537 people jailed in Turkey as convicts or awaiting trial. According to TİHV statistics, at least 46 died in prison in 2014. On the other hand, there are currently 649 sick inmates in prison including 247 in grave situation who are awaiting to be released for intense treatment. (AS/BM)

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.

Prisons sick inmates homeland security act debate

Ayça Söylemez

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Boğaziçi Üniversitesi Felsefe Bölümü mezunu. Mimar Sinan Güzel Sanatlar Üniversitesi Sosyoloji bölümünde yüksek lisans yaptı. Marmara Üniversitesi İletişim Bilimleri’nde doktora yapıyor. Vatan, Akşam, HaberTürk ve Hürriyet gazetelerinin yazıişleri ve dış haberler bölümünde çalıştı. Güncel Hukuk dergisinde yazıları yayınlandı. BirGün’de Anonim adlı köşeyi yazıyor. 2011’den bu yana bianet’te İnsan Hakları Editörü.