The Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP) Izmir Provincial Organization started a 3-day hunger strike in order to support the ongoing hunger strikes in prisons for the physical freedom of PKK Leader Abdullah Ocalan and the Justice Watch initiated by the relatives of the prisoners.

ESP members started the action by visiting the Justice Watch at the DBP Izmir Provincial Representation led by the Aegean Association for Assistance with Families of Detainees and Convicts (EGE TUHAYDER) and Free Women Movement (Tevgera Jinên Azad-TJA).

 

‘WE RAISE OUR VOICE’

 

Speaking about the hunger strikes, ESP Izmir provincial director Hızır Ali Kılıç said that type R, S and Y prisons are "torture places" and that the government applies systematic torture there. Pointing out that those who wanted to show solidarity with the prisoners were also detained, Kılıç said: "During the house raids yesterday morning, our provincial president Kerim Altınmakas and many of our comrades were detained for going to prison visits. We are raising our voices and will do our best for solidarity with the prisoners."

 

‘NOT TAKE A PART IN CRIME'

 

Pointing out that absolute isolation is imposed on PKK Leader Abdullah Ocalan, Kılıç said that despite this, the Kurds increased the resistance. Referring to the hunger strikes started by political prisoners in prisons, Kılıç said: "Our prisoner families continue their resistance with Justice Watch in Kurdistan and metropolises. We salute this honorable resistance with our sincerest feelings. It is your resistance that will lead us to victory. This struggle will continue until the isolation is broken. We are starting a hunger strike here today against the isolation of political prisoners. We also call on all human rights organizations and political parties; Let's grow this struggle together and end this isolation together. Let's not take a part in the crime by remaining silent.”