Uskyldig fengslet og i fare for covid-19

Dear Minister,

I have learned that the Turkish Parliament passed a law on 13 April which will allow the early release of up to 90,000 prisoners. In the context of the deadly spread of COVID-19 across Turkey, any decrease of numbers of prisoners in Turkey’s overcrowded and unsanitary prisons is a welcome step.

However, the law fails to include many individuals who should qualify for early release, and as a result is putting the lives of thousands of prisoners and staff at serious risk.

On 13 April, you announced the deaths of three prisoners, and stated that 17 others and 79 prison staff had been infected with the deadly COVID-19. The confirmation that the virus has entered prisons has sent shockwaves across Turkey. Unlike the virus, the new measures relating to the execution of sentences do discriminate, but it is still possible to change course.

In light of the seriousness of the situation and before there is any more loss of life, I urge you to:

• Immediately release unjustly imprisoned people including journalists, human rights defenders, activists and others jailed unfairly under anti-terror laws simply for exercising their rights;
• Give urgent consideration to the release of those held in prison on pre-trial detention who have not been convicted of any offence, and those who are at particular risk in prison from COVID-19 where their health cannot be guaranteed;
• Ensure that those who cannot be released have access to medical attention and healthcare to the same standards that are available in the community, including when it comes to testing, prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
• Ensure prison staff and healthcare workers have access to adequate information, equipment, training and support to protect themselves.

Yours sincerely,