HATAY - Sıddık Güler, an 84-year-old seriously ill prisoner who is wheelchair-bound, was transferred to İskenderun Type T Prison with a note saying “Caution! He may escape” 

 

Sıddık Güler, 84 years old seriously ill prisoner in Menemen Type R Prison, who is wheelchair-bound and cannot meet his needs on his own, was transferred to Iskenderun Type T Prison again on October 12, on the grounds of “refusing treatment”.

 

MINISTRY WARNS 'HE MAY ESCAPE'

 

In the decision of the General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Houses of the Ministry of Justice regarding Güler's reason for referral, “Return due to refusal of treatment”; “Attention! He may escape” drew attention. The decision also includes Güler's statement, “I have been in this institution for more than 2 years. I have no treatment left here. It is all over. I heard that the prison I was in was demolished due to the earthquake. I want to be transferred to a penal execution institution in İskenderun or Diyarbakır. I have been told about the health problems I may experience if I refuse treatment. I want to be closer to my family, and since it is difficult for my visitors to come to this institution, I would like to be transferred to a suitable penal institution in Diyarbakır province. I do not accept the treatments deemed appropriate for me and I want to go back to the institution I came from.”

 

WHAT HAPPENED?

 

Güler, who is on the Human Rights Association's (IHD) list of seriously ill prisoners, has been imprisoned since 1994. Güler, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for political reasons, lives with diseases such as hypertension, heart disease and inflammatory joint rheumatism. 

 

Upon the application of IHD İskenderun Branch to İskenderun Public Prosecutor's Office in 2020, Güler was referred to İskenderun Public Hospital on January 29, 2021. However, Güler was given the report “There is no harm in staying in a prison with a doctor and infirmary” and Güler's application for a stay of execution was rejected by the İskenderun Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. 

 

IHD İskenderun Branch's report, released on March 12, stated the following about Güler: “At the age of 82, his memory is getting worse, his hearing loss has increased, it is not possible for him to stay in prison conditions and his illness cannot be treated.”

 

TRANSFERRED AGAINST HIS REQUEST

 

In the report of the 3rd Specialization Board of the Forensic Medicine Institute (ATK) dated March 2, 2022, it was unanimously concluded that Güler “does not fall within the scope of the permanent illness, disability and old age stated in Article 104 of the Constitution, does not fall within the scope of Articles 16/2 and 16/6 of the Law No. 5275 on the Execution of Criminal and Security Measures, and can continue his execution in R (rehabilitation) type prison conditions by providing treatment and regular outpatient clinic controls at recommended intervals.”  

 

Following the decision, Güler was transferred to Menemen Type R Prison on March 29, 2022 against his request.

 

MA / Hamdullah Yağız Kesen