Sibel Çapraz was conditionally released from prison on 28 February. She had been in pre-trial detention for almost one year and was in need of medical treatment and an urgent operation. Her release means she will be able to obtain the vital medical care she needs.
Sibel Çapraz was granted a conditional release in a court hearing on 28 February. The court ordered her to be placed under house arrest and banned from international travel. Sibel Çapraz’s lawyer confirmed to Amnesty International that the house arrest does not apply to the hospital treatment she needs and that she will be able to undergo the delayed operation to reverse the colostomy procedure.
Sibel Çapraz underwent multiple medical operations on her arm and intestines after she was shot in November 2015 in Yüksekova, south-east Turkey, during clashes between security forces and individuals affiliated to the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party). She was later charged with “inciting the public to hatred or hostility” and “membership of an armed terrorist organisation” and placed in pre-trial detention.
Sibel Çapraz should have received an operation in February 2016 to reverse a colostomy procedure that she received due to her injuries. She did not receive this procedure while she was in prison, despite a medical opinion stating that the delay increased the risk of complications and potentially put her life at risk. As Sibel Çapraz has now been released from prison, she will be able to undergo the reverse colostomy procedure and seek any other medical treatment she requires.
Both Sibel Çapraz and her sister expressed to Amnesty International their deep felt gratitude for all those who took action on her behalf.
Thank you to all those who sent appeals. No further action is requested from the UA network.
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