Women in Amed rally for their freedom

The Free Women’s Movement (TJA) and Women’s Assembly of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) is holding a rally at the Station Square in Amed as part of the 8 March International Working Women’s Day. Women have come together at various points in the city for the rally held under the slogan “Dem dema azadiya jinan e” (Women’s freedom time) under the leadership of Dicle Amed Women’s Platform (DAKAP).

Security forces tightened the security measures in the area where the rally is being held.

Ill prisoners

Women displayed banners in favour of ill prisoners in Turkey’s prisons, including Kurdish politician Aysel Tuğluk.

The area where the rally is being held is decorated with colourful flags and a giant banner reading “Time is the time for women’s freedom”.

Women are flocking into the area with their colourful clothes carrying yellow, red and green flags in their hands. Women danced traditional halay.

In the meantime, families who have been carrying out the Justice Vigil for 113 days and members of the Peace Mothers Council have come to the area by forming their own cortege to raise concern over sick prisoners and other prisoners who are supposed to be released.

The rally has started with a moment of silence for Garibe Gezer, who was murdered in Kandıra Prison, where she was held prisoner. Afterwards, Berfin Polat, chair of the Organizing Committee, took to stage to make the opening speech.

Polat condemned the poverty, violence and massacres that affect women the most, adding that women have been continuing to raise their voices against these crises for the last 100 years.

İnci Güler, one of the prisoners’ relatives who has been participating in the Justice Vigil for 113 days congratulated Aysel Tuğluk and other women prisoners to mark the March 8.

Garibe Gezer’s mother addressed the crowd and in a very emotional speech told women “you are all Garibe” and demanded freedom for all prisoners

The rally is continuing with the reading of messages sent from various countries.