Protest for Free Posting Right for Imprisoned Children

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Human rights activist and former president of NGO in Penalty Execution System, Zafer Kıraç, has staged a sit-in for the imprisoned children to be able to send letters free of charge.

Kıraç saying while all of the children’s visits should be open, they have three closed and one open visit in a month just like grown-ups, advocated that right to send letter for free has become more significant under these circumstances.

Kıraç reminded that posting letters is not free in prison.

“The smallest gram of posting starts from 0.40 euros (1.25 TL). Imprisoned juveniles don’t have any income. If it is intended to rehabilitate as said, we shouldn’t cut their communications with families and friends but rather encaourage”.

For all imprisoned juveniles

Kıraç emphasizing that juvenile prisons should be closed stated that until this is actualized, the trauma children exposed to should be minimized as much as possible.

Kıraç noting that 35% of imprisoned juvenile are in no condition to afford the letter fee, and that free posting demand applies to every imprisoned juvenile.

“I want this to be free for all but not only for those who cannot afford it”.

Kıraç said the protest will last till it bears a fruit.

Promise for solution from the Undersecretary

Kıraç expressed that 15-20 police officers intervened him during the protest by saying he cannot sit in front of Justice Ministry, but he told them that he will meet former Justice Minister, Kenan İpek.

“Undersecretary, Kenan İpek had served as General Director of Prisons. He scheduled an appointment for solution in which representatives from NGOs will join as well next week.

“I referred to him as many as 10,000 signs as to right to free posting”. (YY/TK)