MERSİN - Stating that ill prisoner Aysel Tuğluk should be released, the women called on the Ministry of Justice and ATK to fulfill their duties.

 

The situation of seriously ill imprisoned politician Aysel Tuğluk, who is being held in Kocaeli Kandıra No. 1 Type F Closed Prison, will be re-examined by the Forensic Medicine Institute (ATK). The "1000 Women for Freedom for Aysel Tuğluk" campaign was launched on January 7 for the release of Tuğluk, a patient with dementia, who is expected to be referred to the ATK within the next week due to public reactions. Reacting to the disregard of the hospital report that Tuğluk "cannot stay in prison", the women supported the campaign from many parts of the world, especially the USA, Germany, Australia, Switzerland, Belgium, United Kingdom and France. Meanwhile, 20 bar associations, which made a joint statement recently, demanded Tuğluk's immediate evacuation.

 

One of the components of the Mersin Women's Platform, Mimoza Women's Association President Çiğdem Göksoy and Human Rights Association (İHD) Mersin Branch Co-Chair Zeynep Benli called for the release of Aysel Tuğluk.

 

SHE WAS THE FIRST CO-CHAIR IN TURKEY

 

One of the organisers of 1000 Women for Aysel Tuğluk campaign, Göksıy said they started with 1000 women but it multiplied itself and reached 53 countries. Stating that thousands of women signed the petition translated in multiple languages, Göksoy said the extend of solidarity gives them hope. Reminding that Tuğluk is the first Co-chair in Turkey, Göksoy said: "Being first in somethings in Turkey can end up being dangerous and this is what she is suffering through right now. She was in a leading position in so many things and she was considered to be a danger for the system. What they consider a danger is a gain for us. Aysel did great things for all of us and showed us the path. We are moving forward in the path she opened for us."

 

Pointing out that the presence of women in politicis is being punished, Göksoy said women are standing up to it with all their differences. Underlining that Tuğluk being referred to the Forensic Medicine Institude is a decent decision, Göksoy called for the immediate release of Tuğluk. 

 

CALL TO THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE

 

İHD Co-chair Zeynep Benli stated that as İHD they constantly share the reports they prepare with the public, and made the following call: "Tuğluk is one of the many ill prisoners in prisons. We know her disease advances day by day in that environment. Even though that it is known that she can't maintain her life alone, they are keeping her in there. We know this very well. Aysel has been involved in politics for a long time. We know this is why she was targeted. This is why she is not released despite the fact that she must be released. Not releasing her is a political decision. We demand the release of all ill prisoners, especially Aysel Tuğluk, immediately. We call on the Ministry of Justice and Forensic Medicine Institude to fulfill their duties."