Prisons in Turkey

A local Istanbul court has acquitted some 400 suspects, who were inmates involved in a hunger strike and subsequent protest 16 years ago, which ended in dozens of casualties. 

Some 399 inmates were tired with charges of "rioting, possession of explosives and manslaughter," by the court, which concluded the case on its 98th ruling on Jan. 22. 

A deputy from the Republican People's Party (CHP) has submitted a motion of inquiry to parliament regarding the living conditions of inmates in Turkish prisons and their compliances or disconformities to universal human rights.

Four Spanish and one Azerbaijani transsexual prisoners have gone on hunger strike after they were moved to a different cell and separated from their previous Turkish transsexual cellmates, saying the Turkish inmates had been helpful in overcoming the language barrier.

As of March 2014, the total number of children in prison and detention centers throughout Turkey stands at 1,686, Justice Minister Bekir Bozdağ has said.

Bozdağ’s statement came in response to a motion filed by Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Ankara deputy Özcan Yeniçeri, Anadolu Agency reported on July 2.

Over 3000 inmates at prisons in Greece continue their hunger strike over the poor living conditions.

The hunger strike started on Monday.

Some of the prisoners refuse to drink water, according to reports of the Bulgarian National Radio.