HAKKARI - Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Hakkari Provincial Co-chair Hümeyra Armut said that the demands should be accepted as soon as possible during the hunger strikes initiated by prisoners against the aggravated isolation and stated: "Meeting the demands is necessary to establish a democratic society."

 

As the indefinite-alternating hunger strike resistance launched by Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) prisoners on November 27, 2020, to end the aggravated isolation imposed on PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, is on its 151st day, the indifference of the government also draws attention.  After some allegations made on social media, Abdullah Öcalan made a phone call with his brother Mehmet Öcalan on March 25, but the conversation was interrupted. The interruption of the phone raised concerns. With the deepening of the isolation, the pressure on the Kurdish people has increased day by day, and the HDP Hakkari Provincial Co-chair Hümeyra Armut stated that the government should put an end to these policies.

 

'Demands are for a democratic society'

 

Hümeyra said that the prisoners had demanded the removal of the oppression and said, "In particular, hunger strikes are aimed at putting an end to the pressures in prisons, but generally the oppression on the society, the lawlessness, and injustice. This is worrisome for us because today our friends are on a hunger strike during the pandemic process. We have sick prisoners with serious problems. The prisoners who are in prison and on hunger strike want their voices to be heard. Demands must be met as soon as possible. We are all responsible for everything that can happen in prison today. Prisoners have rights, these are not fulfilled. Hümeyra mentioned: "It is necessary to meet these demands not only for them but to create a democratic society."

 

'A uniform regime is applied'

 

Stating that the sick prisoners who are in prison under normal conditions should be released, Hümeyra noted this did not happen during the pandemic process and this was a cause for concern. Hümeyra stated that she demanded the human rights of the prisoners and added that the not using of these rights reveals the anti-democratic situation in which the country came. Hümeyra, ‘’This is a process created not only in prison but in all areas of society. There is pressure everywhere, a uniform regime is applied’’ she said.

 

'Demands must be met'

 

Hümeyra finally said: "The hunger strike of the prisoners during the pandemic period raises serious concerns for us. Living conditions are not good. There are 30 people in one ward in the prison. No precautions are taken. They are the ones who experience the most difficult conditions. We demand to give voice to the demands of the prisoners either. Every step necessary for this should be taken as soon as possible. Demands should be met by considering all these conditions."