NEWS CENTER - The hunger strike launched by the prisoners against the aggravated isolation on PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan and the increasing violations of rights in prisons has entered its 152nd day with the 31st group.

 

The 31st group took over the hunger strike launched by Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) prisoners on November 27, 2020, demanding an end to the isolation imposed on PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan and the increasing violations of rights in prisons. The action continues on its 152nd day.

 

Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Foreign Relations Commission Co-Spokesperson Feleknas Uca, in her assessment regarding the deepening isolation in İmralı with the meeting they held with the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), said: “Every prison has turned into a torture center. Prisoners who have been held in prison for years are left on the initiative of the principal and are prevented from being released as a result of the law enacted. Prisons have become cemetery centers because there is a funeral every day. Sicks and those who have been kept in prison for a long time are brought to the agenda” and stated that they discussed the whole process in detail with the CPT officials.

 

'İmralı doors need to be opened'

 

Saying "Mr. Öcalan is a pioneer of peace for the Kurdish people", Feleknas noted that the whole world saw the solution power of Abdullah Öcalan. Reminding Abdullah Öcalan's words, "If the state wishes, we can solve the Kurdish problem in a week." Feleknas stated that the government responded by attacking the gains of the Kurds with the policy of occupation and war and added speed to its attacks day by day. Feleknas continued, "The interruption of Mr. Öcalan's phone call has raised concerns. Europe's role and mission are also very important here. This problem will not go away as long as the isolation is not eliminated. The solution to the Kurdish problem depends on the İmralı isolation and the situation of Mr. Öcalan. The status of politics in Turkey also depending on İmralı. Europe is aware of the role of Mr. Öcalan. The government constantly denies requests for a lawyer interview. CPT is also following İmralı and they are in search and effort for solution methods. However, steps need to be taken not only volition but also practically. The CPT's visit to Turkey had met with Mr. Öcalan and the lawyers but did not. This problem should be resolved as soon as possible. For this reason, İmralı doors need to be opened."