The peace process remains a key topic on the agenda, and a parliamentary commission has begun its work on the issue. One of the most pressing demands for removing obstacles to a democratic resolution of the Kurdish question is the release of sick prisoners.
Pınar Sakık Tekin, Co-chair of the Federation of Associations of Legal Aid and Solidarity for Families of Detainees and Convicts (MED TUHAD-FED), spoke to ANF about the condition of sick prisoners and the rights violations they face in prisons.
Tekin said: “Since October 1, and especially with the call of Abdullah Öcalan on February 27, many important steps have been taken toward this new process. This new process is undoubtedly very important and very valuable. It is a process in which the whole society and all peoples are now in need of peace.”
Rights violations in prisons continue to increase every day
Pınar Sakık Tekin drew attention to the alarming situation inside prisons: “Unfortunately, when we look at the prisons, there is a very negative equation. Rights violations in prisons continue. If there is truly a process taking place outside, this process must also be reflected in the prisons. Just as wars take place between the parties, peace must also take place between the parties. The peace process is not one that can move forward with steps taken only by one side. Both sides must take concrete steps.
The Kurds and their representatives are fulfilling their responsibility for peace, but the state must also take serious steps. Unfortunately, prisons remain very distant from peace. Rights violations continue to increase every single day. Despite their severe conditions, sick prisoners are not being released and cannot benefit adequately from healthcare. There are hundreds of sick prisoners in prisons; many of them struggle to survive on their own and are deprived of many fundamental rights.
We are saying that the state must take its first step through the sick prisoners. The demands of sick prisoners must be taken into consideration.”
Sick prisoners must be released without delay
Pınar Sakık Tekin also addressed the parliamentary commission established for the ongoing process and said: “We can say that the first step toward social peace will begin here. Our expectations from this commission are very high. At the top of the agenda for this commission must be the rights violations taking place in prisons. Sick prisoners must be released from prison without delay. The commission must urgently carry out the necessary work on this matter. All parties must take concrete steps to achieve peace as soon as possible. The first foundation of peace must be laid in the prisons.”