Human Rights in Turkey
Critically Ill Prisoners in Turkish Prisons – Asuman Birinci

Profile

VICTIM : Asuman Birinci
INCIDENT : A seriously ill prisoner facing life-threatening health risks is being denied access to adequate medical treatment and healthcare.
LOCATION : Antalya, Turkey
SITUATION : Sentenced to 6 years and 3 months in prison on alleged affiliation with the Gülen movement.

Case Summary

Physical education teacher Asuman Birinci, who is being held in Antalya L-Type Prison, is not receiving proper medical treatment in prison. Birinci was arrested on May 28, 2024, after her 6 years and 3 months prison sentence was upheld, which had been imposed due to her work at an institution closed by decree (KHK), sending her children to a closed private school, and having an account at Bank Asya. Prior to her arrest, Birinci was already suffering from severe iron deficiency anemia, and her condition rapidly worsened after entering prison. Following persistent applications, a blood test was conducted on January 13, 2026; the results indicated a life-threatening condition: hemoglobin measured 6.8 g/dL and ferritin 1.8 ng/mL. Despite these critically low levels, the prison administration did not authorize a hospital referral and the necessary treatment was not provided. In prison, Birinci experiences severe fatigue, difficulty standing, and heavy bleeding that has persisted for approximately 20 days. She is unable to access adequate healthcare, and the progression of her illness is being neglected by prison authorities. Her husband, Eyüp Birinci, has called on officials through the press, emphasizing that her life is in serious danger.

Source

Contact

Antalya Type L Closed Penal Institution

Phone:  0242 423 13 60 – 0242 423 13 61 

Mail: abbantalya.ltcik@adalet.gov.tr 

General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Houses

Phone: (0312) 507 04 00 – (0312) 507 04 01

Mail: cte@adalet.gov.tr 

Ministry of Justice – Republic of Türkiye

Phone: +90 (0312) 417 77 70

Mail: info@adalet.gov.tr

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