Turks Deny Parole to Purge Victim with Untreated Celiac Disease Despite Eligibility

Celiac.com 04/19/2024 - Living with celiac disease can be challenging, especially in circumstances where access to appropriate nutrition is limited. The plight of Muharrem Gelen, a victim of Turkey's political purges, highlights the additional struggles faced by people with this autoimmune condition.

Celiac disease is characterized by an immune response triggered by consuming gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. For those afflicted, consuming gluten can lead to damage in the small intestine, inhibiting nutrient absorption and causing a range of symptoms from digestive issues to weight loss.

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Gelen's story sheds light on the intersection of health and human rights. Despite his eligibility for parole and documented health condition, he has been denied release from prison. His battle with celiac disease has been exacerbated by his incarceration, resulting in a dramatic weight loss from 75 kilograms to a mere 35 kilograms.

According to news reports, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been going after people who support the Gülen movement since 2013. This movement is led by a religious leader named Fethullah Gülen. Back then, there were investigations into corruption that involved Erdoğan and his close people. Erdoğan said these investigations were actually a plan by Gülen supporters to take over the government. 

Erdoğan has called the movement a terrorist group, and started targeting its followers. This crackdown got even worse after a failed attempt to overthrow the government in 2016, which Erdoğan blamed on Gülen. However, Gülen and his followers say they had nothing to do with it and reject any links to terrorism.

The denial of parole to Gelen underscores broader concerns regarding the treatment of political prisoners in Turkey. The parole board's decision, citing Gelen's alleged failure to provide information on his affiliation with the Gülen movement, is a stark reminder of the arbitrary nature of such judgments.

Muharrem Gelen - Image: stockholmcf.org

This case also raises questions about the prioritization of humanitarian concerns within the Turkish prison system. While Gelen languishes behind bars, individuals convicted of more serious crimes are granted parole without hesitation.

For people living with celiac disease, access to appropriate dietary resources is essential for managing their condition and maintaining their health. Gelen's struggle highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and advocacy for the rights and well-being of individuals with celiac disease, particularly in challenging circumstances such as incarceration.

Read more at stockholmcf.org