“I was detained and beaten”: A lawyer’s personal battle for human rights in Türkiye’s prisons
Hatice Onaran has spent over a decade at the forefront of human rights advocacy in Türkiye. As a dedicated human rights defender at the Human Rights Association (İnsan Hakları Derneği-IHD) and a member of the SOS-Torture network, she has tirelessly worked to expose and combat human rights violations, including torture and ill-treatment, particularly in the country's prison system. She shares her journey, the challenges she faces, and her unwavering commitment to justice.
What inspired you to enter the field of human rights?
The conditions of life in Türkiye pushed me into it. Over the past 20 years, government policies and the lifestyle they impose on us have demanded opposition from those who disagree. This opposition naturally led me to human rights advocacy. Historical events like military coups and states of emergency, such as the one declared by the government in 2016, have intensified these abuses, making the struggle for human rights even more critical.
How do you support prisoners facing human rights violations?
Intense human rights abuses occur in prisons, from restrictions on basic needs to violations of freedom of thought. The prison commission handles complaints directly from prisoners or their families. We assess these complaints, addressing issues like health rights, violence, strip searches, and other forms of ill-treatment. We inform families about our actions and try to meet the practical needs of inmates, such as providing books or facilitating visits.
Can you describe your daily work and its impact?
One of our most visible activities is conducting sit-in protests demanding the release of seriously ill prisoners, which has been ongoing since 2012. I often read the press statements at these protests, despite constant police presence and harassment, which can be demotivating. Our protests highlight systemic issues and bring attention to individual cases, sometimes resulting in positive changes, like ensuring prisoners receive necessary medical attention.
What are some of the challenges you face?
We face judicial and administrative harassment, including threats of arrest. I experienced this firsthand when I was diagnosed with cancer in 2020, and my home was raided. Despite being tried without arrest, the pressure was immense. I was accused of financing terrorism simply because I provided financial aid to prisoners. This baseless charge illustrates the state's efforts to intimidate and isolate human rights defenders.
The State’s response to human rights claims is violence.
What motivates you to continue your work despite the dangers you face?
Occasionally, we receive letters from prisoners expressing gratitude for our interventions. These moments, though rare, validate my efforts and push me to continue despite the challenges. Our sit-ins and other actions have tangible impacts, highlighting the need for persistent advocacy.
How widespread is harassment against human rights defenders in Türkiye?
Harassment is pervasive across all fields of activism in Türkiye, from animal rights to human rights or environmental issues. When I supported the Saturday Mothers' human rights movement, which protests the enforced disappearances of loved ones, I was detained and beaten by the police. The state's response to human rights claims is violence.
How can human rights defenders be better protected?
Organization and solidarity are crucial. We must unite nationally and internationally to support one another. Human rights defenders worldwide must stand together and raise their voices against injustices, ensuring a collective, organized response wherever human rights are threatened.