Families gather in front of the courthouse for the Justice Vigil in Amed

Families holding the Justice Vigil in Amed Bar Association for the sick prisoners and those whose release is denied despite completing their sentences, gathered again in front of the courthouse, following their protests in front of Diyarbakr D Type Prison and Forensic Medicine Institute (ATK). On their 101st day of protest, the families asked for freedom for their relatives once again. The action was also supported by lawyers from the Association for Assistance and Solidarity with the Families of Prisoners and Convicts (TUHAY-DER), the Federation of Legal and Solidarity Associations for the Families of Prisoners and Convicts (MED TUHAD-FED), and the Association of Lawyers for Freedom (ÖHD). Many people who wanted to join the families were prevented by police who surrounded the area.

‘THIS DEMAND IS LEGAL AND HUMANE’

Speaking during the families’ demonstration, Yusuf Çakas, one of the ÖHD’s administrators, emphasized that the families’ demands were legitimate and that they supported them. Çakas said, “We witness the violations in prisons, and we feel it is our responsibility to be a voice for this demand. Our main goal here is to make families’ voices heard and to reveal families’ legitimate appeals to the public. The families’ action has achieved a result to a certain extent. Non-governmental groups and political parties show their support. People support them.”

Çakas continued, “The families’ demand is legal and humane in nature. It is our demand too. Those who are not included in this declaration should also be present. Here, a legal and humanitarian demand is made. We demand that the law be followed. That dozens of people have died in prison since the launch of the Justice Vigil means that it  is a legitimate call. This call should not be ignored. We will legally support the families.”

‘WE DON’T WANT TO GET THE BODIES OF OUR CHILDREN’

Later, the families of the prisoners spoke. Reşahat Ada was the first to speak, and she thanked everyone who had supported them. Ada stated, “We do not want to take our children’s bodies out of prisons. We are taking action to promote peace, humanity, and equality. We will not tolerate this persecution. Due to a one-month disciplinary penalty, I cannot see my brother. We do not want the release of our children to be prevented. We are suffering. We don’t get involved in politics here. We’re here for our children. We are worried whenever our doorbell and phone ring, thinking that his body will be delivered to us.”  Ada stated that they would be in front of the Diyarbakır D Type Prison the following Tuesday.

‘OUR VOICE IS NOT BEING HEARD ENOUGH’

Inci Güler, another prisoner’s relative, called for the release of the prisoners, who are being held in horrendous conditions. Güler stated that “We want the laws to be followed. We will make our demands heard everywhere. We want all political parties to speak up for us. Our voices are not being heard enough. We want everyone to see us. We fight for life. We want to be able to live with our children.”

Another prisoner’s relative, Nuray Abay, stated, “They should either treat them or let us do it. We are mothers, we are suffering. What we seek is justice, peace, and humanity.”

Finally, a prisoner’s relative, Nazime Boltan, spoke and said: “Our children are dying.  We want the law to be implemented. We are seeking justice for our children.”

The vigil concluded with the slogan “Right, law, justice.”