Human Rights in Turkey
 Prisoners Who Died in Custody – Rojhat Babat

Profile

VICTIM : Rojhat Babat
INCIDENT : Prisoner died in hospital after transfer from prison; prison administration did not provide the family with any information about the process.
LOCATION : Kırşehir, Turkey
SITUATION : Arrested on allegations of “membership in an organization” and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Case Summary

Rojhat Babat, who was held at Kırşehir Prison, was arrested on allegations of “membership in an organization” and sentenced to life imprisonment following trial. During his time in prison, he was held in a single cell and experienced psychological difficulties. Approximately one week before his death, Babat’s family saw an “artery rupture – emergency intervention” record on the e-Nabız system. When they contacted the prison, they were only told that he had been taken to a hospital and that his condition was reportedly stable. At that time, the family was not informed that Babat had previously attempted suicide. On 1 April 2026, Babat missed a scheduled phone call with his family. His family contacted the prison again, and the administration informed them that Babat had died but did not provide details about how his death occurred. Babat had been transferred to Kayseri City Hospital due to psychiatric issues, where he passed away. The prison administration stated that his death was the result of a suicide at the hospital. His family had not been informed in advance of his transfer to Kayseri. After his death, an autopsy was performed in Kayseri. The procedure took place without the family present, and their request for a detailed autopsy was denied. The family did not receive sufficient and clear information about either the death process or the subsequent administrative procedures. Rojhat Babat’s death was brought to the attention of the Turkish Grand National Assembly. Calls were made for a full investigation into all aspects of the incident, including the cause of death and the details of the process.

Source

Contact

Kırşehir Type S Closed Penal Institution

Phone: 0386 213 0144 – 0386 213 0155

Mail:  kirsehir.stkcik@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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