TTB Say F Type Facilities Are Inhuman

A committee from the Turkish Physicians Association visited the Tekirdag F type facility and concluded that administrative, architectural and procedural changes should be done to avoid isolation and mental degeneration of the convicts.

Tekirdağ

A committee of doctors from the Turkish Physicians' Association (TTB) paid a visit to the Tekirdag F type prison facility and shared their observations.

The committee made up of Prof. Gencay Gursoy, Dr. Ali Cerkezoglu, Asst. Prof. Dogan Sahin, Dr. Zeki Gul and architect Tores Dincoz said isolation practices on convicts exist.

They were able to walk around the facility and make face-to-face interviews with the convicts and concluded that the "treatment and correctional practices in the facilities have negative effects on human health".

The committee lists their suggestions as follows:

* A reasonable number of convicts would be able to meet in common places for a reasonable time and this should be recognized as a right.

* Architectural, administrative and procedural changes should be done to avoid isolation of convicts.

* UN's Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment should immediately be incorporated into domestic law

* For a transparent approach and public control in facilities, a member from the Bar Association and Pyhsicians' Association must be included in Prison Watch Committees.(AO/TK/EÜ)