Jailed Students Face Psychological Issues: Human Rights Activists

Human Rights Association branch in Siirt province released a statement saying that they received a letter from Siirt province prison inmates on the psychological well-being of 5 underaged students inmates between 14 and 16 years old. "Underaged inmates were said to repeatedly cut themselves. One of them ended up being hospitalized after having cut his wrists," the statement said.

Zana Aksu, Human Rights Association member in Siirt, said the letter regarding the underaged students' psychological issues was sent by other adult inmates in the Siirt prison. "We received the letter last Saturday [January 12]. It was written by a group of inmates serving in the same prison but in a different  division, because the underaged inmates have lately received a communication penalty."

Aksu said the letter informed that 5 underaged inmates have been arrested last month and kept in a cell isolated from other adult inmates. "We want to help these children. Adult inmates tried to help them by requesting the prison administration to transfer the jailed students to their cell. But it was rejected."

"One jailed student cut his wrists"

The letter said, according to Aksu, 5 underaged inmates received disciplinary penalties because they constantly made noise by hitting doors and windows.

"Last Wednesday [January 9], one underaged inmate cut wrists and took excessive number of pills. He was hospitalized for one night and transferred back to prison before his treatment properly ended. We informed their families but the prison administration rejected their visit request. They will come again today."

Zana Aksu said 5 underaged students were arrested following a hunger strike protest in October for "terrorism charges". (YY)