Reactions continue to rise because the Bandirma 2nd T Type Prison has failed to give suhoor to the prisoners in the month of Ramadan.

Convicted Prisoners, Family Assistance and Solidarity Association (Yusufi-Der) chairman Lawyer Mirhan Ozbekli reacted to the prison administrations approach on the matter.

Ozbekli underlined that under norms of universal law, people have the right to practice their religion as they wish. He further stated that it is against the law that the prison authorities have failed to arrange meal times.  

Ozbekli stated that the prisoners of Bandirma 2nd T Type Prison are unable to fast with a peace of mind, “Suhoor meals are given at noon. There are non or limited number of fridges available in the prison which increases the risks of the food deterioration. Therefore, the prisoners’ health is at risk and this is a local issue.”

The prisoners who object to the situation are told that “Nothing can be done because the meals come from an open prison.” Ozbekli argues that this has no legal logic and states the following:

“Examining the norms of universal law, it is recognised that arrangements should be made to the individuals who wish to practice their religion freely. In this respect, the prison authorities have no legal rationale for their responses. They are acting against the law. The shortage of fridges in the prison is also an obvious issue so this treatment and victimisation must be readdressed.”    

“The Ramadan circular notes have either not been delivered or there is a malicious approach”

Ozbekli pointed out that the solution of the problem of failing to provide the prisoners with suhoor meal will depend on what the Ministry of Justice decides, “A circular consisting of ‘The necessary measures that must be taken in this regard’ is set out to all prisons before Ramadan. In my opinion, these notes have either not been sent to Bandirma Prison or there is a malicious approach. Our request from the authorities is to take reasonable steps to do what needs to be done udner legal regulations.” (ILKHA)