Justice Vigil by prisoners’ relatives in Van reaches day 105

A delegation from Ankara visited the Justice Vigil carried out by the prisoners’ families in Van which has entered its 95th day.

The Justice Vigil was launched by the families of prisoners at the premises of the Van Bar Association. On Saturday, a delegation from Ankara visited the families. Public Workers Union (KESK) co-chair Mehmet Bozgeyik, Office Workers Union (BES) secretary Aziz Özkan, KESK Van Branches Platform, Van- Hakkari Chamber of Physicians (TTB) President Hüseyin Yaviç Democratic Workers Union (DİSK) Van Regional Representative Ömer Tekin were part of the delegation.

‘We do not accept the violation of the right to health’

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Van-Hakkari TTB Chamber President Dr. Hüseyin Yavic said: “I salute the vigil that the mothers have started to ensure justice. We are constantly following the violations related to ill prisoners. The right to health is one of the most basic human rights. We do not accept the violation of this right.”

‘Deaths in prison are a shame for Turkey’

Emphasizing that the prisoners’ right to health is the responsibility of the state, Hüseyin Yavic said: “The state is obliged to fulfil its responsibility. Unfortunately, the lives of nearly two thousand seriously ill prisoners are in danger today in Turkey. Therefore, action should be taken to prevent deaths in prisons. Deaths in prison are a shame for Turkey.”

Doctor Yavic told the mothers that their action ” is very meaningful important. This action is not only an action by the families of the prisoners. It should be joined by all civil society organisations.”