Concerns raised over prisoner’s three month hunger strike

In a press release issued by the Cyprus Turkish Bar Association on Thursday, it has been disclosed that a prisoner named M.A. has been on a hunger strike for the past three months at the Central Prison.

The statement issued by the association read as follows:

“According to information provided by the family, the prisoner, who holds Turkish citizenship and whose sentence is to be served in Turkey, initiated a hunger strike after his application for transfer to Turkey was denied by the central administration. The prisoner’s health has been deteriorating progressively, necessitating occasional hospitalisation. In light of these circumstances, irrespective of the decision the administration may reach, it is imperative to shed light on the true state of the prisoner’s health“.

The statement underscores that the right to life stands as an absolute, inviolable right applicable to all individuals, regardless of any conditions, emphasising the need for its preservation without discrimination. It says, “Even if the state deems the transfer unsuitable, it bears responsibility for the prisoner’s health and safety. As the Bar Association, we call for a transparent account of the events thus far and the measures taken“.