He said that although a political process described as promoting peace and democratic reforms is underway, it has yet to translate into practical improvements in prisons. 

 

WORSENING CONDITIONS

 

Reports indicate that conditions are becoming particularly severe for ill prisoners as well as women and children housed in the facility. Families’ ability to communicate with prisoners has reportedly been curtailed, food portions reduced, and inmates subjected to strip searches during medical transfers. Examinations are also allegedly carried out while prisoners remain handcuffed, practices advocates say violate both the right to health and human dignity.

 

“Tightening restrictions contradict existing laws, even though human rights remain fundamental,” Tibelik said, arguing that prisons should focus on rehabilitation rather than isolating prisoners from society.

 

Tibelik emphasized that access to adequate nutrition, healthcare, and personal security are basic rights tied to both physical and mental well-being. “Prisoners are demanding an end to insufficient food, barriers to healthcare, and degrading treatment,” he said, noting complaints that children sometimes go hungry and that meals lack adequate nutritional value.

 

He added that prisoners often face delays in accessing infirmary services and may not be treated by specialist physicians, leading to worsening health conditions.

 

PETITIONS ALLEGEDLY GO UNANSWERE

 

According to Tibelik, prisoners who submit petitions regarding rights violations frequently receive no response. He said: “We are hearing complaints that petitions submitted to prison administrations, ministries, and courts are either not processed or go missing. Although these documents should carry registration numbers, prisoners are not given them, making it impossible to track their status.”

 

FAMILY CONTACT RESTRICTED

 

Tibelik described limitations on family contact as another form of arbitrary pressure. “A person being imprisoned does not mean they should be completely cut off from life. Even though rights such as phone calls, access to books, and newspapers are regulated by law, serious problems occur in practice,” he said. 

 

Authorities have reportedly withheld books and magazines, restricted visits, and imposed phone bans through disciplinary measures.

 

ALLEGATIONS OF ARBITRARY TRANSFERS 

 

Tibelik also pointed to what he described as arbitrary transfers of inmates to distant prisons. He said: “Prisoners should serve their sentences near their families, yet some are sent far away, causing economic and psychological hardship. Punishing families along with the prisoner is not right.”

 

‘PROCESS HAS NOT REACHED THE PRISONS’

 

Despite broader political discussions, Tibelik argued that prisons have seen no meaningful improvement. Tibelik concluded: “There is a process underway, but we cannot see its positive rhetoric reflected in prisons. Everyone must raise their voice about these problems. Waiting for the state to act on its own may not yield results, simply enforcing existing laws would resolve many of these issues.”