The applications for the release of Mehmet Emin Çam, 73, who is paralysed on his left side and on the list of seriously ill prisoners of the Human Rights Association (IHD), remain inconclusive. Çam, who had two heart attacks in prison, was referred to the ATK on 9 May. The 11th Specialised Board of the ATK, which examined Çam's condition, decided on 21 May that the 73-year-old Çam "does not qualify as a husband". 

 

Çam, who had suffered a heart attack, was paralysed on his left side and suffered from many diseases, was also ruled "capable of living on his own", preventing Çam from being released.  Çam's lawyer Nezahat Çelen filed an appeal against the decision, while his family called the ATK's decision "an attempt to murder".

 

HEALTH CONDITION REMAINS SERIOUS

 

Çam's lawyer Nezahat Çelen, who visited Çam at Beşiri T-Type Closed Prison yesterday, stated that Çam's health condition remained serious and said, "He had difficulty walking, he had trouble hearing, and his headaches still continue. Ward conditions are difficult, there are 13 people in one room.  The ward they were in was very hot. He has difficulty in going to eat because there are stairs where he goes to eat. The pain in his eyes has increased. He has 68 per cent vision loss. The risk of a heart attack also persists."

 

APPEAL AGAINST ATK'S DECISION

 

Nezehat Çelen stated that they applied to Batman Chief Public Prosecutor's Office against the ATK's decision and said: "In the application petition, we reminded my client's health problems and made an objection. My client, who has many problems, especially heart problems, is in danger of his life if he remains in prison. As a result, we objected to the ATK's decision, requested an additional report and asked for his transfer."

 

UNTREATED

 

Naime Çam, wife of Mehmet Emin Çam, also reacted to the decision. Reminding that her husband had his first heart attack on 25 May 2024, Naime Çam said: "At that time, he was taken to Beşiri State Hospital with a blocked artery.  He came back from death.  IHD, the bar association and his lawyers had applied for a stay of execution.  On 15 November 2024, the ATK issued a report stating that my husband 'can sustain his life'.  And he was not released.  This decision was made even though he had many diseases. He was found to have a brain tumour. On 27 May, he had a heart attack and underwent angioplasty. He has to take medication for life. He has kidney disease, he had kidney surgery twice. Despite this, cysts in his kidneys formed again.  He had cataract surgery and now he can hardly see. He also has myopia and astigmatism diseases in his eyes. He is also losing his hearing in his right ear.  He has difficulty walking because of paralysis on his left side.  We are tired of counting the diseases, but the ATK ignores these diseases and makes a decision in a copy and paste manner. It is not treated properly.”

 

DEMAND FOR A HEALTHY LIFE

 

Stating that her husband is facing death, Naime Çam said, "My husband, who is unable to sustain his own life, is wanted to be killed.  If he is not released despite all these diseases, this is an attempt to murder. The ATK is dragging people to death with its decisions. Keeping a person whose life is in danger in prison is an attempt to murder. There is no explanation for this. His right to treatment is also prevented in prison. He should be released as soon as possible and receive treatment. We do not want to see him on his deathbed or in a coffin. There are hundreds of ill prisoners like him, all of them should be released as soon as possible. In order for the solution process to work properly, ill prisoners should be offered a healthy life."

 

MA / Fethi Balaman