Health of prisoner on hunger strike against ID imposition deteriorates
İZMİR - Lawyer Arman Atılgan said that prisoner Tuğçenur Özbay, who launched a hunger strike against an ID imposition at Şakran Women’s Closed Prison, has dropped to 45 kilograms on the 100th day of her protest, calling on the prison administration to abandon the practice.
The İzmir branch of the Progressive Lawyers Association (ÇHD) held a press conference at its office regarding rights violations at Şakran Women’s Closed Prison. Speaking at the conference, association executive Arman Atılgan stated that prisoners in the prison have been subjected to an ID imposition for approximately six months.
Atılgan stated that prisoners have refused to accept this imposition and have therefore been deprived of their rights. He added that, alongside Tuğçenur Özbay, political prisoners Güzin Tolga and Zühal Sürücü have also been denied their rights.
Atılgan said: “Prisoner Tuğçenur Özbay, who began a hunger strike due to the rights violations, is today on the 100th day of her protest. Her weight has dropped to 45 kilograms, sores have developed in her mouth, and symptoms such as chills and weakness have emerged.”
Calling on the prison administration to end the imposition causing these violations, Atılgan continued: “We inform the public that we are following the complaints filed against the relevant administration and that we will make the necessary applications for the administration to immediately end its arbitrary practices.”
PRISONER IDENTITY CARD SYSTEM
The “prisoner identity card” system, which has begun to be implemented for political prisoners, envisages the issuance of cards containing identity information to detainees and convicts and requires these cards to be used in procedures within the prison. Although the practice is officially presented as a measure for security and administrative order, it has been criticized as stigmatizing and degrading because it requires prisoners to carry cards bearing the label “prisoner.” Those who refuse to accept the practice are prevented from holding family and phone visits.