Human Rights in Turkey
Pregnant Women in Prison – Nazife Karakoç

Profile

VICTIM : Nazife Karakoç
INCIDENT : A seven-month-pregnant woman was imprisoned despite having a high-risk pregnancy.
LOCATION : Edirne, Turkey
SITUATION : Sentenced to 6 years and 3 months in prison on alleged affiliation with the Gülen movement.

Case Summary

Nazife Karakoç was arrested in Edirne together with her husband while she was approximately seven months pregnant. She had previously been sentenced to six years and three months in prison for working at educational institutions closed by decree under the post-coup purges in Bursa. At the time of her arrest, Karakoç was the mother of two children, aged 8 and 11, who were later placed in the care of their aunts after both parents were detained. During her court hearing via SEGBİS (video link), Karakoç stated that she was experiencing a high-risk pregnancy, required regular medical monitoring, and was in a fragile psychological condition. She emphasized that she was responsible for caring for her two children and her mother, who was undergoing cancer treatment, and requested release under judicial control. Karakoç is one of many pregnant women in Turkey who remain imprisoned despite serious medical risks associated with their condition. She is currently being held at Edirne L-Type Women’s Prison.

Souce

Contact

Edirne Type L Closed Penal Institution

Phone: 0 284 224 06 75 – 0 284 224 06 74

Mail: edirne.ltkcik@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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