Rights Groups Call for Prison Release Amid Pandemic

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Four rights and lawyers' groups have called on the government to release prisoners among the Covid-19 risk group and those who have not been convicted.

A report on the conditions of prisons have been prepared by the Contemporary Lawyers' Association (ÇHD), the Human Rights Association (İHD), the Association of Lawyers for Freedom (ÖHD) and the Med-Tuhad-Fed.

There were 120 prisoners diagnosed with Covid-19 as of April 28, according to a statement by Justice Minister Abdülhamit Gül. all of them were receiving treatment at the hospital and in good condition, Gül had said. The ministry has not disclosed information on how many correctional officers are infected.

On April 14, the parliament passed a law to reduce the prison population and sentences. 

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The report suggested that those in the risk group of the disease, namely who have a serious illness and who are older than 60, should be released in addition to pregnant women and women with children.

Attorneys Ebru Timtik and Aytaç Ünsal, who have been on a death fast demanding "a fair trial" should also be released, the report said.

The four groups further suggested that judicial control measures, such as house arrest, should be applied for prisoners who are remanded in custody.

Also, common spaces should be disinfected everyday and prisoners should be provided with cleaning supplies, a healthy diet and vitamin supplements, the report said. (AS/VK)