On eve of trial, Ahmet Altan writes how imagination sustains him in Turkish jail

Essay describes the novelist’s strict isolation as he awaits judgment on charges condemned by PEN as punishment for his criticism of Turkish government

The prominent Turkish novelist Ahmet Altan has written an essay from his prison cell on the eve of his trial, describing his detention in a high-security jail where he is forbidden to send “even a two-line letter to my loved ones”.

Altan, the author of 10 acclaimed novels that have been translated around the world, as well as essays and journalism, was arrested last September following the attempted coup in Turkey in July 2016. Charges against him include “giving subliminal messages in favour of a coup on television”, “membership of a terrorist organisation” and “attempting to overthrow the government”. Altan faces a possible life sentence if he is found guilty of the charges.

Related: One year after the failed coup in Turkey, the crackdown continues

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