AMED - Mehmet Kırık, one of the prisoners who went on rotating hunger strike in Antalya Type S Closed Prison, stated that they will continue their actions until PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan is released.

 

The hunger strike launched by political prisoners in prisons on November 27, demanding the physical freedom of PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan, who held in absolute isolation in İmralı Type F High Security Prison, and the solution of the Kurdish issue, continues on its 45th day. Prisoner Mehmet Kırık, held in Antalya Type S Closed Prison, was among the prisoners who went on hunger strike. Kırık's father, Abdulhalık Kırık, spoke about the rights violations in prison and his son's message.

 

THEY ARE HELD IN A SINGLE CELL'

 

Stating that his son was transferred to Antalya from Diyarbakır Prison in April 2023, father Kırık stated that his son was held in a single cell in Antalya Type S Closed Prison. Stating that there are approximately 70-80 political prisoners in Antalya, Kırık shared the following information about the violations in the prison: “When we send clothes and similar things, it takes a month or two to reach the prisoners. One hour of ventilation is allowed. They are on alternating hunger strikes and are being held in solitary confinement, although their sentence has not been approved by the Supreme Court. They are not given the sugar water and other basic needs they need because they are on strike”

 

Stating that the prisoners were even taken out for ventilation alone, Kırık said: “They are experiencing many issues, so our people and the public must take care of the prisoners in prisons. We call on the Minister of Justice, fulfill the requirements of the law”

 

'WE STAND WITH OUR CHILDREN'

 

Reacting to the transfer of their children to distant cities, Kırık said, “With the transfers, both the families and the prisoners are devastated. We do not accept the deportation of prisoners and their detention in solitary confinement. They do the same methods as they do in Guantanemo prisons in America. We will stand with our children and take care of them until we die”

 

'WE WILL BE FREE WITH OUR LEADER'

 

Kırık stated that his son sent a message to the public and families. Kırık conveyed his son's message as follows: “We will continue this hunger strike until our leader is released. With his freedom, we will also be free, our people and the Turkish nation will also be free. Also, we want the ill prisoners to be released”