Political parties and NGOs in Amed protest the isolation of Öcalan

Representatives of political parties and non-governmental organizations in the predominantly Kurdish populated city of Amed (Diyarbakır) protested the isolation of Kurdish leader Öcalan outside the Amed Bar Association. Members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), Democratic Regions Party (DBP), families carrying out a justice vigil inside the bar association, as well as numerous local people joined the protest.

Speaking here, DBP Amed provincial co-chair Hayrettin Altun stated that the continued isolation of Öcalan in Imrali Prison has long spread to the whole country, in a reference to the ongoing justice vigil at the Amed Bar Association. “The Şenyaşar family is carrying out a vigil in the city of Urfa. Isolation against inmates in Turkey’s prisons should be lifted. We state that this persecution is unacceptable. There has been financial and political turmoil in the country, and we will continue to fight to overcome it. We will continue to fight for the establishment of justice,” Altun said.

DBP provincial co-chair Seval Gülmez addressed the death of Garibe Gezer who recently died suspiciously in prison. “These events are not completely independent of politics. The AKP-MHP government’s crackdown on the Kurds stems from its perspective on democracy and humanity. In fact, we are going through a process when the government shows its true colours. What was done to Garibe Gezer was actually an act against those who believe in democracy and the culture of living together,” Gülmez said.

“The state authorities do not do their job. Judiciary, prison managers are all involved in this crime. The prisoners are left for dead. They may be arrested or prosecuted but those people have the right to live. You can’t approach the issue that way. These approaches shatter social peace and cause social disintegration,” Gülmez added.

“The society and history will judge the mentality that subjects these people to death in prisons. No tyrant has dominated forever. The winners will be those who defend their human rights and identities in prisons. The isolation of Öcalan is also unacceptable. This is a crime against human rights,” Gülmez concluded.

The protest was ended with the slogan “Bijî berxwedana zindanan” [Long live the prison resistance].