Melike Aydın 

 

AYDIN - Pointing out the importance of the hunger strike launched by the prisoners against the isolation, the women emphasized that one of the problems affected by the isolation is the Kurdish problem and that a solution can only be achieved through the start of talks with PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan.

 

The hunger strike launched by Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK) and Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) prisoners on November 27 to end the aggravated isolation on PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan and to end the violations of rights in prisons has been going on alternately every 15 days since 14 July. As the action continues on its 289th day with the 50th group, voices regarding the purpose of the action continue to rise. While it is pointed out that the isolation deepened and turned into oppression throughout the society, it is stated that one of the other issues affected by the isolation is the Kurdish question. 

 

‘Hunger strikes should be given a voice to solve all problems’

 

Peoples’ Democratic Congress (HDK) Denizli Co-spokesperson Ayşe Kaya noted that the isolation, which means the restriction of thought and physical freedom, aims to increase the pressure on the society and to bring the society under control. Ayşe said: ‘’My sibling was sentenced to five years in prison for a social media post. My sibling may have been thrown into prison physically, but his/her thoughts can never be restricted, our thoughts are the same. All the problems in Turkey are related to the Kurdish question. We should be able to be a voice for our friends in prison, our comrades on hunger strike.’’

 

‘We must be their voice’

 

Pointing out that the hunger strike action is approaching 300 days, Ayşe said: ‘’The only thing they could do was go on a hunger strike. They are trying to make their voices heard because they cannot take any other action. We also should be a voice for their voices. We say long live the resistance of the dungeons.’’

 

Solution is meeting with Abdullah Öcalan

 

Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Nazilli District Co-chair Hangül Tunç said that the prisoners started this action for the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan, and continued: ‘’It is necessary to meet with Abdullah Öcalan in order to find a solution. This is the reason why they went on a hunger strike. If we do not come together as a people, we will be destroyed one by one. For this reason, we need to raise our voices together and more for the hunger strikers.’’

 

‘They had gone on hunger strike before’

 

Hamide Bayram, one of the prisoners’ relatives, also reminded that the prisoners on hunger strike had also been on strike in previous years. Hamide said: ‘’The eyes of those who participated in the previous hunger strike were deteriorated, they experienced different ailments, they became a kind of half-person. Insiders want outsiders to give a voice. People should give a voice more.’’

 

‘We should set out all together for peace’

 

Another prisoner’s relative, Nezahat Türk, said that they were one of the families forced to migrate to western cities. Nezahat said: ‘’They did not recognize our identity. Friends in prison are in there to defend our identity. Enough of the deaths, we want peace. For this reason, their demands should be heeded. Let’s make peace together. Let’s all set out towards this peace, Kurdish, Turkish and Circassian.’’