- ANF
- VAN
- Monday, 27 July 2026, 11:13
The condition of seriously ill prisoners continues to deteriorate, while their families’ only demand is that they be released as soon as possible so they can receive proper medical treatment
One of them is 52-year-old Necdet Koç, who is being held in Van (Wan) F-Type High Security Closed Prison. Koç, who was detained in November 2022 and later sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment, is no longer able to meet his own daily needs in prison due to multiple illnesses. During his imprisonment, he has lost 65 kilograms
Koç’s family, who say he suffers from several chronic illnesses, are calling for his release after he was recently referred to the Council of Forensic Medicine
Hospital reports warn of life-threatening condition
According to information provided by his family, Koç was referred to Van Training and Research Hospital for a comprehensive medical examination following an application to determine whether he is fit to remain in prison. A medical board report prepared by the hospital stated that Koç is receiving high-dose medication, is at risk of a myasthenic crisis and faces a life-threatening condition. Although the report stressed that he must remain under medical treatment, the court did not take this assessment into account.
Koç’s condition has continued to worsen since the report was issued. His family said he now has difficulty speaking, is unable to swallow or eat, and can no longer meet his basic daily needs on his own. They added that his cellmates have been caring for him
Referred to the Council of Forensic Medicine
Koç was recently referred to the Council of Forensic Medicine after applications were submitted on his behalf. A final decision on whether the execution of his sentence will be suspended is expected after the council completes its assessment. Despite repeated applications and his deteriorating health, his family’s requests for his release have been rejected. His relatives stressed that Koç’s worsening medical conditions can only be properly treated outside prison
He can no longer meet his daily needs on his own
Koç’s relatives said: “His health has continued to deteriorate throughout this process. After he was imprisoned, his weight dropped to 60 kilograms. As a result, he suffers from muscle weakness, severe muscle pain and myasthenic crises. Most recently, a tumor was detected in his thymus gland, and his left kidney was removed because of the illness. Despite these life-threatening health problems, he continues to be held in prison. Because of muscle weakness and difficulty swallowing, he cannot eat. He can no longer meet his basic daily needs on his own. His illnesses are becoming more severe every day. He does not tell us about his illnesses because he does not want to upset us, but he has deteriorated dramatically in a short period of time. There is an enormous difference between his condition when he was first detained and how he is today.”
He must be released before it is too late
Koç’s family said that he can no longer survive under prison conditions and made the following appeal: “His condition is becoming more critical every day. The risk to his life has reached the highest level. It is no longer possible for him to survive on his own in prison. He now needs assistance with everything. We see how much he struggles even to attend family visits. Hospital reports warn that his condition is life-threatening, yet he has still not been released
We call on the authorities to fulfill their humanitarian and legal responsibility. Urgent action must be taken to protect his right to life under these severe health conditions.”
