Human Rights Call from TTB Regarding Detention Processes and Prison Conditions Ahead of the NATO Summit

The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) issued an important written statement regarding the legal and social developments leading up to the NATO Summit, which will be held in Ankara on 7-8 Temmuz. The statement detailed the large-scale detentions carried out before the summit and the restrictions imposed on meetings and demonstration marches. TTB officials emphasized that the practices implemented in prisons recently and the difficulties faced by inmates must be brought to the national and international agenda. The organization stated that competent authorities must not remain indifferent in order to prevent human rights violations and to resolve existing problems. In this context, it was reminded that the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms is an inseparable part of the principle of the rule of law.

One of the most important issues raised by the association is the right to organize meetings and demonstration marches, as well as ensuring individual liberty and security. The statement expressed that freedom of expression and the right to a fair trial are fundamental values protected by the Constitution and international conventions. It was argued that any intervention regarding these rights must be lawful, necessary in a democratic society, and carried out in accordance with the principle of proportionality. TTB stated that the restriction of fundamental rights on the grounds of security can only be applied in highly exceptional cases and within a narrow framework. Officials added that conducting legal processes transparently is of great importance for establishing a sense of trust in society.

In its statement, TTB specifically referred to the detention process of comedian Deniz Göktaş, which has recently been on the public agenda. It was demanded that the lawfulness of the handcuffing method applied during detention and certain judicial procedures be clarified before the public. The organization emphasized that the use of handcuffing is a last-resort security measure that can only be applied in situations posing a serious risk of escape or attack. It was warned that applying this method to individuals who do not pose any risk as a routine procedure could fall directly under the scope of ill-treatment in terms of national and international human rights standards. TTB stated that security forces must act with professional training and a human rights perspective in such interactions.

During the meeting, serious concerns regarding the conditions faced by inmates held in high-security penal institutions were also detailed. The devastating effects of long-term solitary confinement on individuals' mental health and the physical problems caused by extremely restricted living spaces have been documented numerous times in national and international reports. TTB underlined that ensuring everyone in prisons has access to healthy and livable conditions worthy of human dignity is a fundamental responsibility of the state. It was stated that depriving inmates of basic health services or exposing them to poor living conditions is an unacceptable situation. The organization added that the penal system should serve not only to punish but also to ensure social integration and protect human dignity.

In conclusion, the Turkish Medical Association defined torture and ill-treatment not only as a serious legal crime but also as a critical issue directly threatening public health. Therefore, a call was made for any allegation arising in detention centers and penal institutions to be immediately investigated by an independent, impartial, and effective mechanism. TTB emphasized that all practices in security and judicial units must be conducted in full compliance with universal human rights standards, medical ethics rules, and human dignity. The organization stated that civil society and relevant professional chambers will continue to monitor these processes. Officials stated that raising public awareness on these sensitive issues is a great necessity in order to ensure the supremacy of law and moral values.