Prisoner Kaczynski Mentioned in Scottish Parliament
Member of the Scottish Parliament, Jim Eadie, made a motion to British Prime Minister David Cameron related to Steve Kaczynski who has been kept for more than four months in Maltepe Prison, İstanbul. Eadie stated he was worried about Steve’s health and security.
Imprisoned for four months in Maltepe L-Type Prison, British Steve Kaczynski (52) has been on hunger strike in his solitary confinement cell since he doesn’t have his magazines, newspapers and books. Kaczynski was arrested for allegedly being a member of illegal organization on April 2, 2015.
On July 6, Scottish Parliament Member Eadie wrote a letter to PM David Cameron:
“I was contacted on 21 May by a constituent of mine, Mr Brian Kaczynski, who informed me of the arrest in Turkey of his brother, UK citizen Mr Stephen Shaw Kaczynski. Brian Kaczynski has stated that Stephen was arrested during a raid on a cultural centre in Istanbul on or around the April 4 2015, on suspicion of being a member of a proscribed organisation. Stephen has not yet been officially charged, however he has been held at Maltepe Prison in Istanbul since his arrest. I received further correspondence from Brian Kaczynski on July 6, informing me that Stephen is still being held in isolation at Maltepe prison and has now gone on hunger strike as letters, documents and newspapers which have been sent to him have been withheld from him. Brian has also stated that Stephen has still been given no indication of when he will appear before a court. Stephen is now in his twelfth day on hunger strike. Brian Kaczynski has additionally informed me that he has approached UK authorities regarding Stephen’s situation, however he has had little or no response. As I am sure you can imagine, Stephen’s situation is causing considerable distress to Mr Kaczynski and his family, and I am now extremely concerned over Stephen’s health and safety. Given the urgent circumstances of Stephen’s situation, would the UK Government be willing to consider taking immediate action to investigate why Stephen has now been detained for a number of months without trial? Could the UK Government make representations to Turkish authorities to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Stephen? Could the UK Government ensure that Stephen is not being denied any legal rights he has been entitled to, and confirm whether he is receiving consular assistance? Thank you for your assistance regarding this matter. I look forward to hearing from you.”
(AS/BD)
Click here to read the article in Turkish