SÊRT - Seriously ill prisoner Mehmet Emin Çam, who was found to have a brain tumour, had heart and cataract surgery, two kidney suregeries and is paralysedon his left side, was hospitalised after his condition deteriorated. 

 

Seriously ill prisoner Mehmet Emin Çam, who was detected to have a brain tumour, underwent heard and cataract surgeries, 2 kidney surgeries and is paralysed on his left side, was taken to hospital upon deterioration of his condition. Mehmet Emin Çam, 73, is being held in Batman Beşiri Type E Closed Prison and he is on the list of seriously ill prisoners of the Human Rightas Association (IHD). His family learned by coincidence he was taken to hospital. His family and lawyer are not informed about Çam's health condition.

 

Şimel Çam said that they learned that his father was hospitalised when a relative accidentally saw Çam and said, "When I saw him on 9 April, he was already in a very bad condition. We learnt that he was hospitalised yesterday. We contacted the prison as a lawyer and family to find out his condition. We were told 'We cannot give information'. He is currently being geld at Batman Training and Research Hospital. We are very worried. Let this persecution en immediately."

 

 

His daughter Şimel Çam stated that she had last seen her father on 9 April and stated that his condition was bad and that her father was being dragged to death. Noting that her father's condition in prison is getting worse day by day, Şimel Çam said, "My father had a heart attack in prison many times and came back from death. Although he had a heart attack, he was treated in handcuffs. My father, whose parole is in 2028, needs to be treated outsde. He may not be able to see that day due to his age and illnesses."

 

'LET THIS INHUMANITY END'

 

Şimel Çam said, "The application made to the Human Rights Investigation Commission of the Presidency of the Parliament was responded negatively. In its decision, the Commission gave a negative response, claiming that the prison made 'maximum effort' for my father. The application to the General Directorate of Prisons and Detentions of the Ministry of Justice was also rejected on the same grounds, claiming that my father could continue his treatment under prison conditions. The Forensic Medicine Institution (ATK) also issued a report on 15 November 2024 stating that my father 'can sustain his life'. The court, citing the ATK's decisions as justification, refuses to release him. This unscrupulous behaviour must come to an end."

 

ABOUT ÇAM

 

Çam was arrested on 12 December 2012 on the allegations of "KCK City Assembly structuring" when he was Peace and Democracy Party (DBP) Sêrt Provincial Chair. After  months, Çam was released to stand trial without arrest, but Siirt Heavy Penal Court sentenced Çam to 9 years for "terrorist organization membership". Çam was arrested on 14 March 2022 after the sentence was approved by the Court of Cassation and was held in solitary confinement in Batman Type M Closed Prison for 17 days. 

 

Çam was transferred to Beşiri Type T Closed Prison on 1 April and was found to have a brain tumour. On 27 May, Çam had a heart attack and underwent an angioplasty and has to take medication for life. Çam has also has kidney disease and underwent kidney surgery twice. Despite this, the cysts in his kidneys reoccur. Çam also underwent cataract surgery and has myopia and astigmatism in his eyes. Çam also lost his hearing in his right ear and he has difficulty in walking because of paralyssi on his left side. 

 

MA / Fethi Balaman