Celal Punar, who is imprisoned in Marmara Closed Prison on charges of “being a member of an illegal organization”, was sentenced to 11 days in solitary confinement by the prison's Disciplinary Board Presidency after a piece of paper fell off him during his monthly open visit. As a result of the investigation opened by the Presidency on the allegation of “conducting or having conducted the education and propaganda activities of criminal organizations”, Punar was sentenced to 11 days of solitary confinement on October 24.

 

The decision notified to Punar stated the following: “Celal Punar, who was being taken to the monthly open visit on 09/10/2024, took the papers he had dropped while walking in the corridor and threw them in the garbage. The papers thrown by the convict Celal Punar were taken by the officer in charge and delivered to the relevant unit for examination.  In the notes examined '...an announcement was made that Meşale Magazine had started publishing again. Following this announcement, a breakfast-style event can be organized with the families of prisoners and martyrs.”

 

'I WAS SENTENCED WITHOUT TAKING MY DEFENCE'

 

Punar told his interlocutor that upon being notified of the verdict, he submitted a petition to the prison administration to make an oral defence. Punar stated that he did not receive any response in this regard and that his defence was not taken. Punar stated that the guards forced him to make an oral defence by speaking through the grille, which was irregular, and that he did not accept this and wanted to make an oral defence according to the procedure. Punar said that he was sentenced to solitary confinement without even being asked for his defence.  

 

MEŞALE MAGAZINE

 

Punar stated that Meşale Magazine is a publication produced by prisoners in prisons and that there is no legal impediment to its entry into prisons and that he will appeal the decision. Punar also stated that it is not possible to conduct education or propaganda with a discarded paper and that the sentence is unlawful. 

 

Punar appealed the verdict on November 7.