44 inmates infected with coronavirus in Silivri Prison
A total of 44 convicts and arrestees were infected with coronavirus (COVID-19) in Silivri Prison, Istanbul's Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office said on May 8, adding that two of them are receiving treatment at a hospital. "The treatment of 40 arrestees/convicts, who don't show any symptoms, were decided to be carried out at an isolation location established in the prison," it said.
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A total of 44 convicts and arrestees were infected with coronavirus (COVID-19) in Silivri Prison, Istanbul's Bakırköy Chief Public Prosecutor's Office said on May 8.
According to the office, two of those tested positive were taken under quarantine at a hospital, while the remaining are quarantined at the prison.
"The arrestees/convicts were sent to Silivri Prison's State Hospital via being taken out of their cells immediately for isolation. Following the tests carried out by doctors, the treatment of 40 arrestees/convicts, who don't show any symptoms, were decided to be carried out at an isolation location established in the prison," it said.
"The treatment of the other two arrestees/convicts will continue at the hospital," it also said, adding that the families of the said 44 prisoners were notified on the issue.
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Human rights activists and opposition politicians have been calling for a prisoner release amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) since inmates are vulnerable against the virus due to the overcrowding in jails.
They have also been reporting lack of coronavirus measures and cleaning supplies in prisons.
A prisoner release bill was passed in parliament last month, but it was criticized for excluding journalists and those serving over political charges - mainly opponents of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).