The Forensic Medicine Institude will re-examine the former Co-Chair of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Aysel Tuğluk held in Kocaeli Kandıra F Type Closed Prison upon the objection to the report of the Supreme Council of the Forensic Medicine Institute (ATK) and the request of  Ankara 22nd High Criminal Court within the scope of the Kobané Case.

 

Alaattin Tuğluk, elder brother of ill prisoner Tuğluk, spoke to our agency about his sister's health status. Noting that Tuğluk was referred to the hospital thanks to the people's demand for her to be treated, Tuğluk's elder brother shared the information that his sister's condition was getting worse day by day.

 

'LEGAL INITIATIVES CONTINUE'

 

Stating that he visited his sister two weeks ago, Tuğkuk said: "She's sluggish and oblivious. She can't follow her own thoughts. She repeats her words frequently. She acts indecisive. She forgets things and say the same things over and over again. But she looks better physically. She was kind and loving to her friends. The legal initiatives of her lawyers continue."

 

PUBLIC IMPACT

 

Criticising the first decision made by the ATK, Tuğluk said the ATK is re-examining the case as a result of the public impact. Tuğluk said: "When her condition was diagnosed in Kocaeli Hospital the ATK had to re-examine her case and keep her in the hospital with the pressure of the people. Her friends and the women are making calls for her release or her treatment, I want to thank all of them on behalf of our family. I want Aysel Tuğluk to be released immediately."

 

BACKGROUND

 

Former HDP Co-Chair Aysel Tuğluk, who was diagnosed with "dementia", has been held in Kandıra F Type High Security Prison for more than 5 years. Tuğluk lost his mother, Hatun Tuğluk, on September 13, 2017.

 

After the racist attack on Hatun Tuğluk's funeral ceremony held in Ankara, Tuğluk's body was exhumed and buried in her hometown, Dersim.

 

Shortly after the loss of her mother, Aysel Tuğluk began to have health problems.

 

'DECISION OF STAY OF EXECUTION MUST BE GIVEN'

 

Kocaeli University Hospital diagnosed Tuğluk with dementia on March 15, 2021. In the final report of KOÜ Forensic Medicine Department announced on 12 July stated that the demantia might progress faster under prison conditions, she must recieve medical attention and she can not maintain her life alone, therefore should be released from prison. Tuğluk was later referred to İstanbul Forensic Medicine Institude which decided that Tuğluk can maintain her life alone in prison in two hours. Tuğluk's lawyer, Reyhan Yalçındağ, applied for a third report, and Tuğluk was referred to the hospital again on December 21. Now, Tuğluk's condition will be examined once again by ATK.

 

CALL FOR TUĞLUK'S RELEASE

 

The petition launched by women against Tuğluk's deteriorating health situation received a lot of support both internationally and nationally, and women called for Tuğluk's release.