Prisons in Turkey better than many in EU

BURSA (AA) – ustice Minister Cemil Cicek said on Friday that the prison system in Turkey was better than many in Europe.

Cicek who visited Bursa H and E type prisons, was briefed by Bursa Chief Prosecutor Emin Ozler.

Speaking to reporters after the briefing, Cicek said that the main principle of prison system was to make the prisoners gain knowledge and talent when serving in prisons and to reassociate them to the society.

"EU countries published very negative reports about prisons in Turkey from time to time in the past, fortunately those days are over. I fully believe that the prison system in Turkey is better than many in Europe. We have some deficiencies, and we try to overcome them," Cicek said.

Upon a question, Cicek said that "the number of inmates in prisons of Turkey today is 63,000-64,000. This number changes everyday."

Cicek stated that the new law on enforcement of punishment was pending before the parliament and negotiations on it continued in parliamentary sub-commissions, adding that "we will adopt the new law this year." Noting that many things would change by the adoption of the law, Cicek said that "at least, the mentality changes. We consider the prisons as a training and vocational centre. This is a very important understanding."