With a significant role among NGOs and known for delivering strong messages about social responsibility through its projects, the Turkish Anti-Smoking Association, in collaboration with the Istanbul Governorship and the Silivri Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, launched a project in the 6th L-Type Closed Prison in Silivri, inspired by the efforts of an asthmatic inmate. Prisoners now have the right to stay in wards free from tobacco use.
During the event on June 23, 2010, held in Silivri Prison’s No. 6 Ward, Dr. Mustafa Aydın, President of the Turkish Anti-Smoking Association, stated: “In the 21st century, if one country wants to make another dependent, it gets the people,
youth, and children of that country to start smoking. Cigarettes are the greatest tool of colonialism in the 21st century. I call upon state officials and members of the judiciary: Please don’t fall into this trap.”
Speaking at the opening ceremony attended by volunteer inmates, Istanbul Deputy Governor Ahmet Aydın said they had come together for a very important event. He stated that an exemplary step had been taken to ensure that non-smoking inmates could stay in a healthier environment. He added that he was present as the President of the Provincial Tobacco Control Board and that: “Since the tobacco ban law was enacted, 80,000 inspections have been carried out across Istanbul. There is 97% compliance. People are not smoking indoors. However, there is still a 3% issue. When we first started, we had 350 inspection teams—now we have 750. During these inspections, fines were issued to 1,000 individuals.”
Silivri Chief Public Prosecutor Orhan Usta also emphasized that since imprisonment already implies deprivation of freedom, prison administration and conditions should not intensify this suffering. He provided information about the smoke-free ward initiative: “Each of our correctional institutions has designated a total of 10 non-smoking wards. These numbers will increase based on inmate requests.”
He added that provisions of Law No. 5727 on the Prevention of Harm from Tobacco Products, as well as the regulations on the management of penal institutions and enforcement of security measures, were interpreted with a broad perspective and in favor of the detainees and convicts.
Plaques were presented to those who contributed to the realization and public awareness of this project. The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality City Orchestra performed Turkish Folk Music, Turkish Classical Music, and a Mehter (Ottoman Military Band) show.