ISTANBUL – DEM Party MP Newroz Uysal Aslan stated that, under instructions from the Ministry of Justice, there is an attempt to install cameras in the living spaces of prisoners at Bakırköy Women’s Closed Prison.
In Bakırköy Women's Closed Prison, preparations are underway to install camres in prisoners' living spaces. Newroz Uysal Aslan, MP from the Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, visited the prison on May 2 and spoke with the prisoners.
Sharing the details of her visit, Newroz Uysal Aslan stated, "There have been attempts to install camreas in a way that would view prisoners' rooms and bathrooms. In addition, holes have been opened in the corners of ventilation and common areas for placing cameras." She stressed that woman prisoners opposed this, saying, "They will not accept being watched and monitored 24/7 in their living spaces, and that this contitutes a direct violation of their privacy and living space." They also submitted petitions in protest.
Newroz Uysal Aslan said this attempt started on April 28. “On May 1, despite it being a public holiday, technical staff came to install the cameras. The woman prisoners emphasized the holiday and their petition, stating they would not accept the installation without a response or explanation from the administration. Thus, the work was paused due to the holiday,” she said. On May 2, prisoners were told the decision was not made by the prison administration but came from the Ministry of Justice.
She emphasized, “It is clear this practice is unlawful. But unfortunately, like many other illegal practices justified under the name of ‘security’ in Turkey’s prisons, this is being legitimized.” According to Aslan, this is “a direct intervention into all aspects of prisoners’ lives” and “a part of the state’s oppression, domination, isolation, and control over prisoners.” She added, “They want to make pressure and domination permanent by watching the prisoners 24/7.”
Newroz Uysal Aslan also noted that despite scheduling a meeting with the prison administration, it did not take place. "They said they were in a committee meeting at the time and refused to see us. We will continue to monitor the process and intervene through relevant commmissions and the ministry to prevent the installation of these cameras," she condluded.
MA / Ömer İbrahimoğlu