Human Rights in Turkey
Critically Ill Prisoners in Turkish Prisons – Mehmet Gürler

Profile

VICTIM : Mehmet Gürler
INCIDENT : Despite an ATK (Forensic Medicine Institute) report confirming “disability” and “permanent illness,” the prisoner—who has Multiple Sclerosis (MS)—remains incarcerated.
LOCATION : İstanbul, Turkey
SITUATION : Sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of “Attempting to Overthrow the Constitutional Order by Force.”

Case Summary

Dismissed by a decree law (KHK), Staff Lieutenant Colonel (Kurmay Binbaşı) Mehmet Gürler has been imprisoned for 9 years. He was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2021; however, despite the severity of the disease, his treatment did not begin until eight months after the diagnosis. As the illness progressed, Gürler developed significant neurological impairments. He has experienced severe symptoms such as vision loss, difficulty walking, balance problems, frequent falls, muscle weakness, and inability to move independently — symptoms that continue to worsen. Due to his condition, Gürler cannot move without assistance in prison, occasionally loses consciousness, and is unable to sustain daily life activities without support from others. For these reasons, previous requests for suspension of his sentence were submitted but rejected. In the most recent report issued by the Forensic Medicine Institute, it was officially stated that Gürler has a “disability condition and permanent illness.” As MS progressed, carrying out daily living activities became increasingly difficult for him. It was reported that his right to rehabilitation is not adequately provided in prison, and that regular physiotherapy, neurological follow-up, and essential medication routines have been disrupted. Furthermore, the risk of falling and injury has increased in prison; it was noted that he cannot move safely in narrow spaces or on stairways without assistance.

Souce

Contact

Metris Type R Closed Penal Institution

Phone: 0 212 617 19 19

Mail: metris.rtcik@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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