ANKARA, Jan 9 (A.A) - Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk said on Wednesday that they were ready to start an implementation under the prisons recovery programme, adding, ''let's altogether end these problems and this tragedy in prisons.''
Holding a press conference, Turk answered questions of journalists about the F-type prisons.
Noting that they were ready to start an implementation under the prisons recovery programme on the condition of inmates' and their supporters' giving an end to death fasts and hunger strikes, Turk said they were determined to organize an international symposium on punishment enforcement system and problems at prisons.
Stressing that death fasts and hunger strikes should end for evaluation of F-type prisons within framework of international standards, Turk said, ''Turkey does not want to lose even one of its citizens. Everybody should help the Justice Ministry for solution of the problem. Let's altogether end these problems and this tragedy in prisons. I call on all relevant public institutions and non-governmental organizations to give us support.''
When recalled of the matter that 71 prisoners had been released under Code of Criminal Procedure's Article 399 while some courts had decided not to implement the article for prisoners, Turk said that the article had been prepared by taking care of prisoners.
Noting that some courts had implemented the article for prisoners as they did not consider it beneficial to keep them in prisons in this situation, Turk said that only four prisoners had not been allowed to benefit from the article but it was up to the courts' discretion.
When a journalist noted that EU didn't display the attitude it showed after the terrorist attacks in the U.S. on September 11, towards the terrorist organizations which targeted Turkey, Turk said that EU countries tried to follow a common policy about terrorism and that this caused a favourable atmosphere for double standard.
Turk said that certain acts within EU are considered as terrorist activities, but similar acts are considered differently by EU in countries where the democratic institutions didn't develop much. However, the U.N. didn't make a discrimination on this issue, he added.
The U.N. underlined two points in its resolution dated September 28, 2001, said Turk, adding that U.N. investigates whether a person was involved in terrorist activities or not before accepting him as a political refugee. Secondly the U.N. stressed that countries should not object to extraditions by showing political reasons as an excuse.
''We saw that the EU didn't include the illegal formations which we accept as terrorist organizations in its list of terrorist organizations. However, the EU included all the terrorist organizations which threathen the EU. The terrorist organizations acting in third world countries were not covered by the EU list. Yet there is a positive development on the issue. EU Council of Ministers prepared a common framework in fight with terrorism. A frame draft resolution has been prepared to speed up extradition proceedings. We saw that the EU accepted these two points underlined by the U.N. This is a good development in respect of following terrorists by Turkey as the latter is expected to get more positive results from its applications from now on. Moreover, the list will be revised once in every six months,'' he said.
Responding to a question about the the latest operation which led to the arrest of former Emlak Bank managers, Turk denied having any interference in the operation.
Turk stated that his ministry sent circulars to Republic Chief Prosecutor's Offices and State Security Court (DGM) Chief Prosecutor's Offices and reminded them about the custody regulations. ''People should not be kept under custody more than they have to and they should not be unjustly treated,'' he commented.
When asked if the State Inspection Council (DDK) was pressuring republic prosecutors, Turk said that the DDK had the authority to inspect all institutions except for the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) and jurisdiction.
Turk also indicated that the Banking Regulation and Inspection Council was in charge of investigating corruption incidents related to banking.
TURK: ''PRISONERS MAY COME TOGETHER WITH AROUND 10 PEOPLE FOR FIVE HOURS A WEEK''
Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk said that the prisoners could come together with around 10 people for five hours a week in areas that will be determined by prison administration on condition that they attend at least one of the joint activities or betterment programs.
Addressing a news conference held in Justice Ministry regarded with F type prisons, Turk evaluated the proposal of chairmen of four bars.
Turk said those who brought the proposal acted as if they are not informed about the facilities provided so far, adding that, ''before all, we are in a position to take into consideration provisions of law which are in effect and evaluate the proposals in respect to applicability.''
Turk said, ''this proposal aims at keeping the doors of the three rooms open throughout the day, and meeting of prisoners the whole day. This is shown as a proposal which can end the protest.''
Pointing out that the proposal should be evaluated due to legal means and structure of prisons, Turk said the F type prisons were prepared because of the crimes commited by the prisoners.
Stressing that legal obstacles prevented a change, Turk said this implementation was not possible physically even if there is not legal arrangements.
Turk said many services given to prisoners would be obstructed in case this proposal is implemented, adding that, ''we think that the prisoners could meet for five hours a week. There is a circular that will be immediately implemented in case the protest ends.''
Turk said the five hour period would be determined by the administration according to the physical position of the prisons.
TURK SAYS THERE IS LEGAL OBSTACLE TO THE PROPOSAL OF SOME BARS
Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk said that Article 16 of the Anti-Terrorism Law was an obstacle to the realization of some bars' proposals to put an end to the ongoing death fasts and hunger strikes in F type prisons.
Addressing a news conference held in his ministry, Turk made some evaluations about F type prisons.
Pointing out that those prisons were set up to remove the negativities of ward system and that it prevented sovereignty of those convicted of terrorism and mafia type crimes, Turk said number of participations to hunger strikes and death fasts launched against F type prisons decreased.
Turk said there were eight people who are on hunger strike and 142 people on death fast as of today.
Briefing about the legal arragements held on the issue, Turk said there was no isolation in F type prisons.
Turk pointed out that recently chairmen of some bars presented him a proposal to ''lift isolation'' noting that they were informed about this proposal through media, and added that no official application was made.
Turk said, ''we are evaluating every kind of proposals to solve this problem. It should be accepted that this is a good-willed proposal if it will contribute to the solution of problem. However, this should be evaluated through legal means and in respect to its applicability. With an amendment made to the Article 16 of the Anti-Terrorism Law, usage of joint living areas in F type prisons were determined. The corridors were determined as joint living areas. This means, there is a legal obstacle against this proposal. Even if we say there is no legal obstacle, the physical structure and security of F type prisons are not suitable to applicability.
Stressing that such kind of proposals encouraged the terrorist organizations, Turk said, ''we think that the prisoners, who join the social activities, may come together in groups of ten people, and chat for five hours.''
DEATH-FASTING THREE PRISONERS HOSPITALIZED
A total of three prisoners who have been fasting to death at the F-type prison in northwestern province of Edirne were hospitalized on Wednesday after their health situation deteriorated.
The three who have been convicted of crimes of terrorism, refused medical treatment.