No money to post bail or pay fines: 3000 detainees needlessly in prison

The latest report from the National Audit Office reveals that 3,371 detainees have been unnecessarily held in prisons for many years due to their inability to deposit bail money and pay imposed fines. The report also indicates that this situation has significantly contributed to the severe overcrowding within the prison system.

According to gathered information, 1,940 prisoners in 28 prisons are held due to their inability to pay fines, while the number of detainees in 21 prisons unable to pay bail is 1,431. It has also been reported that individuals who are unable to be released and are under severe pressure in this manner often instigate prison conflicts.

Prison officials state that the government has to spend a large amount of money annually for the food and other facilities of those unnecessarily incarcerated. Furthermore, the number of detainees who have been granted bail but remain in prison for more than five months is 325, and this situation was observed in 21 prison institutions across the island by last year.

Audit investigations have confirmed that the main reasons for this are the lack of financial facilities, the inability to fulfill bail conditions, and the reluctance of relatives to provide bail. When questioned about this, a prison official stated that such situations are reported and discussions are being held to find solutions. Furthermore, the Department of Prisons states that during instances of presidential general amnesty, special attention is paid to such detainees to facilitate their release.