DEM Party leader calls for action on prison overcrowding and healthcare access

Tuncer Bakırhan, Co-Chair of the DEM Party, has called on the government to take immediate steps to address prison overcrowding and systemic injustices. Speaking at a party congress in Bursa, Bakırhan noted that nearly 450,000 people are currently incarcerated, with some facilities operating at 1.5 times their intended capacity, leading to prisoners sleeping in shifts.

Reports from the Human Rights Association (IHD) and the Association of Lawyers for Freedom (ÖHD) highlight severe conditions within the prison system. According to these organizations, there are approximately 1,412 sick prisoners facing significant barriers to medical care. Specific issues include the cancellation of hospital transfers for inmates with serious conditions such as throat cancer and osteoporosis, as well as difficulties accessing essential medications, hygiene products, and medical devices like hearing aids.

Bakırhan emphasized the need for a peace process to address democratic rights, including linguistic rights and economic justice, arguing that institutionalizing peace is necessary to prevent further loss of life among youth.