Assistance for Foreign Families Supporting Inmates in Turkish Prisons

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Foreign nationals who have relatives detained or convicted in Turkish prisons often face challenges in providing material assistance from abroad. Under Turkish regulations, including the Regulation on Prison Property and Belongings (Emanet Eşya Yönetmeliği), it is possible to support inmates through the delivery of clothing, money, and personal necessities—provided the process complies with the applicable legal and institutional procedures.

At Cindemir Law Office, we offer legal and practical assistance to foreign families who wish to provide such support to their relatives in Turkish correctional institutions.

🔹 What Types of Assistance Can Be Provided?

According to Article 10 and related provisions of the Regulation on Prison Property and Belongings, inmates may receive the following from authorized persons, subject to prison administration rules:

  • Seasonal and permitted clothing (e.g. underwear, winter coats, shoes)

  • Books and publications that are not prohibited

  • Prescription medications, if approved by institutional doctors

  • Monetary deposits into the inmate’s personal account (via PTT or in person)

  • Other approved items, as allowed by the facility’s internal regulations

🔹 Who Can Deliver or Send Items to an Inmate?

  • Direct family members (spouse, parents, children, siblings)

  • Legal representatives, such as a lawyer with power of attorney

  • In certain cases, friends or third parties, if permitted by the prison directorate

All deliveries and financial transfers must comply with the official inventory and registration system of the correctional facility. Items are inspected and logged before being delivered to the inmate.

🔹 Legal Framework and Restrictions

The procedures for material support are regulated under:

  • Regulation on Prison Property and Belongings (Emanet Eşya Yönetmeliği)
    Official Text – Elazığ 1st Type Closed Penal Institution Website

  • Law No. 5275 on the Execution of Sentences and Security Measures

  • Internal circulars and security guidelines issued by the Ministry of Justice – General Directorate of Prisons and Detention Houses

Prohibited items, attempts to send unauthorized cash or electronics, or failure to comply with administrative deadlines may result in rejection of the request.

🔹 How We Can Help

Our legal office provides the following services for foreign citizens supporting inmates in Turkey:

✅ Drafting formal requests for delivery of clothes, books, or medications
✅ Coordinating with prison administrations and translation of item lists
✅ Legal communication regarding rejections or restrictions by the facility
✅ Supporting money transfers in accordance with Turkish financial regulations
✅ Power of attorney preparation and legal representation for family members abroad

We also assist clients in obtaining permissions and explanations from the institution when complications arise due to nationality, language barriers, or restricted access to Turkish consulates.

🔹 Examples of Supported Facilities

We have experience working with various correctional institutions in Turkey, including but not limited to:

Silivri Closed Penal Institution, Şakran Penal Campus, Sincan F-Type Prison, Maltepe L-Type Prison, Elazığ Type 1 Prison, and Kandıra High-Security Institution.