Vol. 529 No. 1
119 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he or his colleagues on the European Union have received a report on the human rights implications raised by the storming of 20 prisons by Turkish security personnel which resulted in a number of deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2238/01]
The condition of prisons and the situation of prisoners in Turkey have been a source of concern for some time. Last October a number of prisoners initiated a hunger strike in some 20 Turkish prisons to protest against proposed changes in their accommodation arrangements. New cell type prisons, know as F-type, have been constructed to accommodate one to four inmates per cell and replace dormitory-style accommodation currently prevalent in Turkish prisons. The prisoners claimed they feared that the proposed changes would leave them more vulnerable to mistreatment. The Turkish authorities stressed their intention was to regain control over the prisons in which, they claimed, gangs held sway and had succeeded in accumulating arsenals. Turkey also stressed its intention to upgrade and modernise the prison system.
On 19 December, following unsuccessful efforts at mediation, the Turkish authorities intervened to transfer prisoners to the F-type prisons and to try to end the hunger strikes. The operation resulted in a number of deaths and serious injuries among both the prisoners and the security forces. Ireland deeply regrets the tragic loss of life and our concerns have been conveyed to the Turkish authorities.
The Council of Europe's committee for the prevention of torture visited Turkey at the invitation of the Turkish authorities to inspect the F-type prisons in July of last year and again in December and earlier this month. It is understood that the committee is in ongoing contact with the Turkish authorities concerning the prison situation, including the issue of F-type accommodation and the recent tragic events.
