The indefinite-rotating hunger strike launched in prisons on November 27 against the aggravated isolation imposed on PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan held in Imrali F-Type High Security Prison continues with the 3rd group. Because of the importance of the action for peace and democracy, a call was made for solidarity.

 

RIGHTS MUST BE APPLIED EQUALLY FOR EVERYONE

 

Stating that the biggest problem of Turkey is the Kurdish question, Attorney Eşber Yağmurdereli told that this essentially is a democracy problem. Stating that the fact that peaceful solutions are not sought to solve the problem is escaleting the tension, Yağmurdereli added that the isolation on Öcalan is a part of this problem and said: "As a part of the problem, isolation policies against people in prisons are being aggravated. Regardless of his political identity, every prisoner has certain rights within the framework of execution law.The most important of these rights is the prisoner's right to meet with their family and lawyers. These rights are those that no prisoner will be victimized. This right should be applied equally for everyone."

 

Noting that the hunger strikes have been on the agenda of the country for the last 50 years, Yağmurdereli told that the aggravated isolation on the prisoners, forces them to chose a path like this. Emphasizing that the society is sensitive to hunger strikes, Yağmurdereli said: "The general disturbance of the society will continue as long as the isolation continues. No one living in this country can benefit from this problem."

 

THEY ARE TRYING TO LIGHT UP THE DARKNESS

 

Expressing that political prisoners made efforts to solve the problems experienced during critical periods of the country's history, Ferhat Tunç said, "Being captured could not deter them from their goals, and they even spent all their energies for a freer and fair country. Our friends in prison have been trying to tear through the darkness that our country is passing through by taking responsibility for isolation and violations of rights since November 27th." 

 

WE SHOULD BE THEIR VOICES

 

Stating that, "Artists cannot remain indifferent to society's longings and troubles. If someone is willing to starve for freedom and justice, risking their bodies, it is time for the artists to raise their voices for them", Tunç continued, "As long as the isolation and violetions of rights continue in our country, neither the deaths will end, nor the poverty. The expectations of the prisoners, are our expectations too. The fact that they had to go on a hunger strike is our responsibility, caused by our failure to fulfilment. We have to be their voices and own their demands. Everyone must be in solidarity with them, especially artists and intellectuals."

 

 

MA / Naci Kaya