Justice vigil of prisoners’ families in Van marks its 96th day

The Justice Vigil, which was launched at the Van Bar Association for sick prisoners and other inmates whose release is postponed for false reasons, has entered its 96th day. Today’s vigil was carried out by Aslıhan Timur, mother of Botan Timur who is jailed in Van F Type Prison, and Cevzet Bilekçi, father of Hakan Bilekçi who is jailed in Van High Security Prison. The relatives of the prisoners were visited by the members of the Association for Language and Culture Research (ARSISA).

“The government does not want the voice of women to be heard because women’s resistance gives hope and leads the people. We support the vigil to end the torture and isolation in Turkey’s prisons. Our mothers want their children and they do not back down. Our mothers are resisting here. Prisoners are resisting not only for themselves but also for the people. Therefore, the resistance in prisons is historical and very important,” ARSISA director Seyit Kılıç said.

Kılıç remarked that the isolation of Kurdish leader Öcalan should be ended immediately. “We do not accept the isolation and we stand by our mothers who struggle to remove it. If the isolation of Öcalan is lifted, the people will be happy. We saw yesterday how our people flocked to Newroz celebrations. People are inspired by mothers. The government can no longer crackdown on the people like this,” he added.