'Who Talks Wears the Mask': Eight Prisoners Given One Mask at Bayburt Prison, Says HDP MP

Disinfection work in Şakran Prison, İzmir (Photo: AA)

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Authorities are not implementing appropriate measures against the Covid-19 outbreak at Bayburt Type-M Prison, according to Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Batman MP Feleknas Uca.

Although Bayburt Chief Public Prosecutor's Office stated on April 3 that the measures were strictly implemented, the information they received from the prison contradicted that statement, Uca said.

In a parliamentary question she submitted to the Ministry of Justice, she mentioned the claims that wards are not regularly disinfected, correction officers are in close contact with prisoners, hygiene supplies are sold at "exorbitant prices," hygiene rules are not followed in food distribution and prisoners have not been provided with hot water for two months.

She also said that there has been a shortage of masks and there was a case that officers gave one mask to eight prisoners and told them, "Among you, who talks wears the mask."

Lawyers' associations and rights defenders also said in recent reports that the measures at prisons were inadequate and the outbreak was spreading at penal institutions.

Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office announced on Friday (May 22) that 82 prisoners tested positive for Covid-19 and one died of the disease in İstanbul's Silivri Prison.

Uca asked the Minister of Justice whether these claims were true and if they were going to work on this issue. (AS/VK)