Turkey: Partizan Prisoner Ali Gülmez Underwent Surgery Without Informing His Family

We hereby share an unofficial translation of a report published by Yeni Demokrasi.

Ali Gülmez, a life-sentenced prisoner at İzmir Kırıklar at the No. 1 F-Type Prison, underwent angioplasty and had a stent placed. While the prison administration did not inform his family, the prosecutor’s office also denied permission for his lawyer to accompany him, citing his status as a “life-sentenced prisoner.”

Ali Gülmez, who has 60% narrowing in two left coronary arteries and 30% narrowing in the right coronary artery, underwent angioplasty at İzmir City Hospital, where two stents were placed in his arteries. Although a family visit was scheduled for April 8, the date of his transfer to the hospital was not said. The prison administration did not inform his family about his transfer, and it was only on April 9 that his lawyer knew on the situation by calling the prison. Upon arriving at İzmir City Hospital that evening, Gülmez’s lawyer was not provided any information by the gendarmerie or guards. Despite the doctor and prosecutor meeting with his lawyer on April 10-11, requests for permission to accompany him or for visitation were denied on the grounds of his status as a “life-sentenced prisoner.” The prison administration did not inform Gülmez’s family about his hospital transfer, and he was taken back to the prison on April 11.

Partizan prisoner Ali Gülmez’s lawyer stated that a complaint would be filed against the prison administration for violations of rights and abuses.

Partizan Martyrs and Prisoner Families also expressed that Ali Gülmez has been struggling against the ruling powers’ oppressive policy for 26 years under conditions of isolation and segregation. They stated, “In F-Type and isolation prisons, prisoners’ rights to access healthcare are being obstructed. The fact that the administration of Kırıklar No. 1 F-Type Prison transferred Ali Gülmez to the hospital without informing his family and provided no information is proof of this.” They called for a struggle against these rights violations, declaring, “We will not allow the rights our people have won to be taken away. We will be the voice of our people, both inside and outside. Revolutionary prisoners are our honor!”