Turkey's Prison System Is Swallowing People Alive — 40 Days Detained With No Charges, Journalists Jailed Twice in a Year

Turkey's detention apparatus is drawing mounting condemnation from lawyers, journalists, and human rights groups, who say people are being held for weeks without charges while courts ignore binding international rulings.

Lawyers for Kaos GL say more than 40 days have passed since the detention of the organization's managers, LGBT+ rights defenders, and journalists — and no indictment has been filed. The lawyers flagged rights violations in prison and called for the release of those held, describing the prolonged detention without charge as "virtual hostage-taking" [1].

The Human Rights Association (İHD) called for the release of Osman Kavala outside Silivri Prison, stating that obeying European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rulings is a legal obligation, not a choice [2]. The İHD's Marmara Region Branches will hold a press statement in Silivri to demand Kavala's release and the enforcement of ECHR rulings [3].

BirGün reporter İsmail Arı, arrested for the second time in a year, sent a message from prison saying he was jailed on suspicion of fleeing even though he went to the police himself. Arı said he will continue to defend journalism [4].

Journalists across Turkey are facing ongoing detentions and arrests, while media organizations continue to be placed under government-appointed trustees. In response, press professional organizations have called on journalists to take to the streets on Saturday, October 24, to protest these pressures [5].

Lawyers have also raised concerns about the Sincan Women's Prison, saying the facility is enforcing a "good behavior" assessment that they argue is being used as a mask for suppressing inmates. In a statement, the lawyers said that insisting on this approach during a period when the "Peace and Democratic Society" process is being discussed directly targets not only the prisoners' freedom but also the possibility of a democratic society and lasting peace [6].

The detentions extend beyond Turkey's borders. The African Union (AU) has renewed its call for the immediate and unconditional removal of unilateral sanctions against Zimbabwe, repeating its demand for the lifting of penalties it says harm the country's economy and people [7]. In Norway, a new report from the Parliamentary Ombudsman sharply criticizes the use of belt beds at Akershus University Hospital (Ahus), after a patient was restrained in a belt bed for nearly 12 days. The Ombudsman described the prolonged restraint as a serious violation of the patient's rights and called for stricter limits and clearer oversight [8].

In Sweden, a lawmaker is challenging the government's prison population forecast, arguing that the projected figure of 45,000 inmates ignores key factors that would reduce the number. Fredrik Kärrholm of the Moderate Party says the calculation fails to account for increased deportations, the deterrent effect of tougher penalties, and the fact that repeat offenders are kept from committing new crimes while incarcerated [9].

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