3 women prisoners in Patnos Type L Closed Prison in Agirî (Ağrı) were subjected to physical violence of the wardens on 18 December 2024. Human Rights Association (IHD) Agirî Branch member and lawyer Ruken Keskin, who visited the prison following the call made by the prisoners through their families, said: "Although so many days have passed since the violence, traces of torture were still visible on the prisoners' bodies. The basis of torture and rights violations in prison is the policy of impunity."

 

'THERE WERE STILL TRACES OF TORTURE ON THEIR BODIES'

 

Ruken Keskin, referring to the violations of rights during the meeting with women prisoners in prison as Human Rights Association, said: "The most striking thing that struck me during the meeting with the prisoners was the psychological violence. Even when they were talking about the torture they were subjected to, it was seen that they were still under the influence of it.  During the interviews with all 3 prisoners, it was clear that they had been tortured. We know that Patnos prison has been subjected to violations of rights many times before and that there are reports in this direction. Although we interviewed them 4 days after they were tortured, the prisoners still had bruises on various parts of their bodies. There were still handcuff marks on their wrists."

 

Ruken Keskin stated that women were subjected to violence by more than 40 guards during their meeting and said: "Prisoners said 'We were beaten by 40-50 guards for 3 hours'. A woman with heart disease who was subjected to violence was hospitalised. Prisoners demanded a report from the hospital that she was subjected to physical violence, but she was treated on the basis of her heart condition and brought to the prison".

 

Ruken Keskin stated that although the prisoners were beaten in front of the infirmary, the doctor did not give a report to the prisoners. Ruken Keskin stated that the policy of impunity lies at the basis of so many rights violations and torture in prisons. "Although two weeks have passed since the incident, an investigation has not been initiated yet. We filed a criminal complaint, but despite all this time, we have not even been given an investigation number," she said. 

 

'POLICIES OF IMPUNITY FEED EACH OTHER'

 

Ruken Keskin pointed out that many human rights organizations keep reports against the violations of rights in prisons, but the reports are not taken into consideration and continued: "These organizations regularly follow the violations of rights on a monthly and annual basis and make a note in history. The fact that 3 prisoners who were beaten in Patnos prison did not receive a report on the beating is actually to close the judicial path. Keeping silent about a violation of rights actually leads to other violations of rights. Unfortunately, this impunity creates situations that feed each other. I believe that the public has a very important duty in this regard. Instead of taking torture and rights violations for granted, I think it is necessary to internalise these events and create public pressure."

 

MA / Mehmet Güleş