"Human rights observers should be able to examine the Aydin Prison," said Cetin.
Two members of the Human Rights Investigation Committee of the Turkish parliament visited the Aydin Prison recently and stated that human rights violations took place at the prison. Inquiry
MAZLUMDER stated:
* There have been many discussions about the Aydin Prison in the past because of the death strikes and human rights violations. However, there has been no interrogation or investigation about those responsible. This fact raises questions.
The allegations should be looked into;
* According to the commission's report, at Aydin Prison; many children aged between 11 and 18 years are suffering from injuries, they are tortured by the guards, one child is paralyzed as a result of torture, there is sexual harassment and rape and the beds are unusable. These allegations are very important.
* Despite the fact that children of different ages should be kept in different cells, children aged between 11 and 18 years are staying in the same cell. This leads to violence and sexual harassment among the children.
* There are allegations that the prison management encourages children to form gangs, guards provide children with sharp objects, and that many children who are freed from the prison have cut marks on their bodies.
* Lawyers from the Aydin Bar have gone to the prison to look into these allegations. They then applied to the prosecutor's office.
* The prison management made it very difficult for not only the lawyers, but also the lawmakers to see the victims. We are afraid that there are serious violations of human rights in this prison.
* The Justice Ministry should look into the allegations about the Aydin Prison. It should also permit a commission, composed of human rights activists, and representatives of bars and doctors' associations, to enter and investigate the prison. (EO/BB/EA/NM)
