COLEMÊRG - ÖHD, İHD and DEM Party, which closely follow the situation of the prisoners on hunger strike, stated that the prisoners on hunger strike were subjected to disciplinary investigations, including long-term solitary confinement.

 

Lawyers Association for Freedom (ÖHD), Human Rights Association (İHD) Colemêrg branches and People's Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Gever district organization issued a press statement regarding the aggravated isolation policies against PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan and the hunger strikes in prisons.

 

Many people attended the statement held at the DEM Party Gever District Organization building.

 

MEETING WITH PRISONERS AFTER THE HUNGER STRIKE

 

Speaking in the statement, ÖHD Colemêrg Branch CoChair Cevahir Ağrali emphasized that they closely follow the health and prison conditions of the prisoners. Referring to the interviews held with prisoners on hunger strike in many prisons, Ağrali said: “It was seen that the vitamin supplements required for the hunger strike and nutritional needs in accordance with the hunger strike protocol were not adequately met by the administration. It was also observed that disciplinary investigations were initiated against the prisoners and they were given punishments such as banning them from activities for 1 month. It has been observed that the authorities carry out these practices in order to intimidate people and pressure them to end their actions. In order to prevent the emergence of additional health problems; Prisoners who are on hunger strike should be regularly monitored by health workers in accordance with their consent, the water, salt, sugar and vitamin B they need should be provided, companions should be provided when they are unable to care for themselves, they should not be held in isolation and the use of force should be avoided." 

 

Stating that many political prisoners were subjected to disciplinary investigations, including the ban on participating in social and cultural events and long-term solitary confinement, due to their participation in the hunger strike, Ağrali said: "The authorities were subjected to cruel, inhumane and degrading actions in violation of freedom of expression, international human rights law and standards. The treatment or punishment comes into play. Ağrali called on the authorities to abandon the disciplinary investigation in question."

 

'THE ISOLATION IMPOSED OF ÖCALAN IS AGAINST INTERNATIONAL LAW'

 

Stating that the prison administration is responsible for all rights of political prisoners, especially their right to life and health, Ağrali said: "If the substances that must be taken to a minimum level are restricted, it will cause permanent damage to the body and brain functions of prisoners and even death, as in the hunger strikes of previous years. The isolation imposed on Abdullah Öcalan in İmralı prison is against domestic law norms and international law norms. As a requirement of anti-discrimination rights advocacy, all discriminatory practices in the penal system must be terminated immediately. It is essential for the democratic solution of the Kurdish issue, to approach every problem that creates social division on the basis of equal and common life, and to implement an integrated social peace project aiming at economic prosperity and social justice as soon as possible.`` 

 

THE DEMANDS OF THE PRISONERS

 

Finally, Ağrali called on the relevant political power and authorities to fulfill their duties and the democratic public to be sensitive about the ongoing periodic and rotating hunger strikes in prisons and listed the following demands:

 

"*Conducting regular health checks of prisoners on hunger strike and ensuring that doctors appointed by TTB carry out examinations in prisons,

 

*Respecting the freedom of expression of prisoners and convicts, including demonstrating by going on hunger strike,

 

*The Ministry of Justice should establish a dialogue regarding the demands of those on hunger strike and hold meetings with representatives of rights, law and health organizations, especially MPs, in order to discuss these demands, and allow independent delegations to conduct inspections and visits in prisons.