Torture Allegations in Şakran Prison

Contemporary Lawyers Association (ÇHD) Izmir Branch Prison Commission released a report claiming that children inmates in Şakran Prison were subjected to torture. 

Torture allegations cited in the report included hone beatings, solitary confinement penalties in sound proof cells, refusal to necessary hospital transfers - claimed that were denied by a prison staff member who did not want his name disclosed. 

“Do you know 5-star hotels? We are trying to provide a 10-star hotel comfort here,” he said. He added that they were trying to transfer all sick inmates with shuttle services. 

ÇHD advocate Serdar Gültekin, on the other hand, told bianet that the 10-star comfort did not reflect the reality at all and claimed that children inmates were put through systematic torture in Şakran Prison. 

Gültekin: There is overt torture 

Gültekin told bianet that they would normally pay routine visits to prisons upon applications and they decided to go to Şakran Prison after receiving two separate applications. 

“We can’t inspect the prisons but we have the right to talk to children face to face. We met two children this time.”  

“Prisons staff deny that there is no sound proof room or practice of torture. But we know that it exists. Inmates describe in detail. Even the two kids described the same room when we didn’t mention of others’ descriptions. So there should be a room like that. 

“Similarly, the accounts on hone beatings also matched. They described in detail what kind of trace the hone leaves. The accounts of different children were similar. 

“There are only few children inmates who can fall asleep without sleeping pills. They are psychologically damaged. Some even attempted to commit suicide with detergents. And it is not only recent. These practices exist since the establishment of the prison. 

“Kids normally serve in rooms with 2 other inmates. But they are put in solitary confinement when they receive penalties. But normally this practice is completely forbidden. Handcuffs, chains and restrictive ties are normally forbidden too. But in practice, it exists in this prison. 

ÇHD: Those who are responsible should be tried

The report demanded all those who are responsible to appear before court. Emphasizing that juvenile inmates must be protected according to domestic and international regulations by state authorities, the report also cited some of the problems in the prison as  follows: 

* Abuse of doctor visits and right to treatment

* Torture and humiliating ill-treatment/sound proof room. 

* Confinement torture

* Abuse of right to application and complaint

* Abuse of right to reach social activities (EKN/BM)