Ill prisoner catches Covid twice

Photo: Ministry of Justice

Click to read the article in Turkish

Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) deputy Abdullah Koç has submitted a parliamentary question about Suat Oğuz, who has been in prison for eight years and whose health problems have worsened.

Oğuz was arrested after being detained eight years ago and was eventually sentenced to life imprisonment. In the motion, the health problems of Oğuz, who is held at the Hilvan No. 1 Type-T Closed Prison, was summarized as follows:

"Oğuz caught Covid-19 on November 20, 2020, and November 15, 2021. He is also a Hepatitis B patient. His family says their child's illness is getting worse due to prison conditions and wants his treatment to be done at a full-fledged hospital.

"His father, Rıfat Oğuz, who lives in Siirt, said he was worried about his son's life. Speaking to Mezopotamya Agency, Rıfat Oğuz said, 'He would be detained frequently, even in high school years. In those years, he was arrested and released five times. Eight years ago, he was arrested in a case prepared by FETÖ ["Fetullahist Terrorist Organization"] members. Our objections were rejected all the time. For the last part, his sentence was upheld by the Court of Cassation. The Court of Cassation joined the chain of unlawfulness."

• According to the latest figures announced by the Human Rights Association (İHD), there are 1,517 ill prisoners in Turkey, 651 of whom are severely ill.

"Are they waiting for him to die?"

Oğuz said his son had a severe infection of Covid-19 but, during that period, he was deprived of his social rights under the pretext of the pandemic.

"The last time he called, he said that he had a toothache, that he had requested to go to the infirmary and this request was not accepted. Apart from that, the problem in his lungs continues to increase. There is also a headache. He couldn't even feel his feet. He has epilepsy. He has so many diseases, but he is not taken to the hospital. Are they waiting for him to die?"

Will there be a new arrangement?

In the motion, MP Koç asked Minister of Justice Bekir Bozdağ the following questions:

* Will any precautions be taken as the health problems of Suat Oğuz are getting worse?

* What is the reason for not delaying Oğuz's execution? Will your ministry take any action to release the ill prisoner?

* When will the dental treatment of the ill prisoner be done?

* Will any arrangements be made so that ill prisoners held in prisons can benefit from healthcare services adequately?

* Do you consider making a new arrangement regarding the postponement of execution in order to ensure that sick prisoners who are not treated can access doctors and healthcare? (AS/VK)