Profile
VICTIM : Mehmet Sait Yıldırım
INCIDENT : The prisoner, who has been held in prison for 33 years, was not released despite completing his sentence, on the grounds that he was deemed “not of good conduct.”
LOCATION : İzmir, Turkey
SITUATION : He was detained in 1993 on allegations of “membership in an organisation” and was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1995.
Case Summary
Mehmet Sait Yıldırım, who is held in Kırıklar Prison, was not released despite completing his sentence. He was due to be released under normal circumstances on 27 February 2025, but his release was postponed three times. In its latest assessment, the Administrative and Observation Board determined that the prisoner was “not of good conduct” and postponed his release for three months. Following this decision, Yıldırım became unwell and suffered a heart attack. He underwent coronary angiography at the hospital and had a stent inserted in his heart. After four days of treatment, he was sent back to prison. His lawyer challenged the decision before the court; however, the court rejected the appeal, finding the decision to be in accordance with procedural and legal requirements. Despite his serious illnesses and life-threatening condition, the prisoner continues to be held in prison. With the latest postponement, his release has now been delayed by a total of 21 months.
Source
Contact
İzmir Kırıklar No.1 Type F Closed Penal Institution
Phone: 0232 427 1212 – 0232 427 11 94
Mail: abbizmir.1nftcik@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