^#smrgSAHAF Prison Conditions in Turkey: A Helsinki Watch Report - 1989

Despite a recent shift from military to largely civilian control that has brought some improvements, conditions in Turkish jails and prisons remain inhumane. Many of the worst problems, such as brutal beatings and open discrimination, result either from official policy or high-level indifference.

Among the serious problems documented in this report:

-Prisoners live in wards that are grossly overcrowded, airless, and infested with rats and insects.
-Food is inadequate and inedible. Medical care is very poor.
-Political prisoners suffer discrimination, are denied benefits available to others, and are treated harshly by staff.
-Corruption pervades the system.
-Those held m police station lock-ups are subjected to almost routine torture and dreadful living conditions.

August 1989