Sick Prisoners Denied Freedom: Rights Groups Protest in Istanbul and Ankara

Human rights advocates gathered in Istanbul and Ankara to demand the release of seriously ill prisoners. The Human Rights Association (IHD) and the Sick Prisoners Freedom Initiative organized the protests. The groups say authorities are blocking medical treatment for these prisoners. They point out that even with hospital and forensic reports, seriously ill inmates are not being released. The advocates are calling attention to the health rights of prisoners. They argue that keeping sick inmates behind bars violates their right to care.