by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the
Commission and Council
(12 May
2003)
Subject: Torture and inhuman treatment of women in Turkish jails
|
|
On 13 June, the first trial will be held in Turkey involving two women, Mrs Naziye Tsogaltaf, 22 years of age, and Mrs Sounai Yesildag, 28 years of age, who were tortured whilst in prison in Instanbul. The two women were arrested on 23 September 2002 for alleged membership of an illegal organisation. During their imprisonment they were tortured as confirmed by forensic medical examination. Specifically, the women were beaten, subjected to electric shock treatment and then obliged to open their mouths into which their torturers spat and to swallow the spittle. The barbaric conditions of imprisonment
in certain Turkish prisons are contrary to fundamental human rights and
directly violate international agreements and the principles of democracy and
freedom. Does the Commission intend to intervene to end torture in prisons,
humanise the prison system in Turkey, an applicant country, giving priority
to respect for the human rights of women? |