Turkish prison hunger strikes over cell conditions

Inmates at Marmara L Type Prison in Turkey have launched hunger strikes to protest the conditions of ‘well-type’ cells. Prisoners, including Cemil Kurt and Cem Dursun, describe these cells as small spaces of 5 to 10 square meters that lack sunlight, fresh air, and human dignity. Reports indicate inmates receive only two hours of ventilation per day, spending the remaining 22 hours in isolation.

By early September, the Istanbul Medical Chamber (İTO) issued a warning regarding these deteriorating conditions, noting that the small solitary confinement cells and limited outdoor access pose ‘serious and life-threatening risks’ to inmate health. The chamber also highlighted allegations of increased pressure, ill-treatment, and torture within the prison system.

The number of participants in the protest has grown, with six inmates identified as being on hunger strike, including Tacettin Erol Şahin, Cem Dursun, Cemil Kurt, Emircan Yazı, Hasan Basri Yıldız, and Engin Ateş. At the time of the medical chamber’s warning, Cem Dursun and Tacettin Erol Şahin had reached 125 days of striking.