DÊRSIM – Emrecan Demir, a prisoner held in Samsun Kavak S-Type High-Security Prison, was reportedly beaten by prison guards on August 4 for refusing mouth search during a hospital transfer. Father Hasan Demir, called for an independent delegation to investigate conditions in the prison.

 

Emrecan Demir, who has been imprisoned since 2016 and is serving a life sentence, is currently held in solitary confinement. According to reports, he was subjected to physical assault until he was returned to his cell. Other prisoners who protested the violence were also reportedly beaten. Demir shared his experience through his lawyer and family, urging public awareness. 

 

TRANSFER IGNORED FOR MONTHS

 

Father Hasan Demir explained that his son suffers from a severe allergic condition and had long requested medical treatment, but prison authorities failed to authorize a hospital transfer. Demir said: “Durng our Eid visit, I noticed visible issues on his body, hands and eyes. He told me the prison doctor acted ideologically and refused to prescribe medication or allow a hospital referral.”

 

ATTACKED IN ROOM WITHOUT CAMERAS

 

On August 4, after months of filing medical requests, Emrecan Demir was informed of his hospital transfer but refused the invasive searc. Father Demir said: “They insisted on a degrading procedure to break will of Kurdish prisoners. When Emrecan objected, guards dragged him into a room without cameras, where the violence continued.” 

 

Father Demir added that prisoners showed solidarity with his son and they were also assaulted and insulted. “This is not the first time. Fort he past two months, they’ve also been denied their rights to social interaction and Access to fresh air,” father said. 

 

'WE DEMAND JUSTICE'

 

Referring to the peace process initiated by Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Ocalan, Hasan Demir said: “There are forces trying to sabotage efforts toward peace, democracy, and coexistence. We see these provocations as part of that.” He called on the public, the Ministry of Justice and the Directorate of Prisons to investigate. “We want a country where justice, democracy and human rights prevail.”