Human Rights in Turkey
Critically Ill Prisoners in Turkish Prisons – Nermin Varol

Profile

VICTIM : Nermin Varol
INCIDENT : A prisoner with cancer cannot access medical treatment and medication in prison.
LOCATION : Ankara, Turkey
SITUATION : Sentenced to 6 years and 3 months in prison on charges of “membership in an organization.”

Case Summary

Nermin Varol, who is held in Sincan Prison, has not been released despite suffering from cancer. Varol, a mother of two, previously worked as a religious studies teacher. After the private school where she worked was closed, she was detained and a legal process was initiated against her. Member of Parliament Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu visited Sincan Women’s Closed Prison on March 9, 2026, and met with the prisoner. According to the information shared, Varol developed breast cancer shortly after the severe detention process and the stress she experienced during that period. As the illness progressed, she underwent surgery and received chemotherapy treatment. While the legal proceedings were ongoing, she appeared in court with high blood pressure. She was released for a period under a judicial control measure requiring regular reporting due to her health condition, but she faced serious difficulties during her treatment process. She was later re-arrested and sent back to Sincan Women’s Closed Prison. It was reported that some of her health problems have continued during her time in prison, that she developed hypertension, and that she has had difficulty accessing vitamin D medication in particular. Attention has been drawn to the prisoner’s health condition, and it has been stated that access to medication and medical treatment in prison should be ensured immediately.

Source

Contact

Sincan Women Closed Penal Institution

Phone: 0 (312) 589 51 01

Mail: ankara.kadkcik@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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