Azadiya Welat worker Erkan Gümüþtaþ, detained in Urfa E Type Closed Prison, was diagnosed with heavy burns and was taken to 500 bedseated Training and Research Hospital. The burns on a large part of Gümüþtaþ’s body are said to be life-critical.

Gümüþtaþ was detained and arrested while distributing Azadiya Welat paper. There is no information about how Gümüþtaþ got burnt, but 50 percent of his body is said to have been burnt. Gümüþtaþ, taken under treatment in the burns unit under soldier and police supervision, is reported to have a critical condition and a risk of death. BDP (Peace and Democracy Party) Urfa Provincial Chairman Ýbrahim Ayhan and Gümüþtaþ’s family came to the hospital as they heard about the event.

Gümüþtaþ was detained and afterwards arrested on charges of participating in the march in Urfa in 2008, to protest the imprisonment circumstances of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan. Gümüþtaþ received 16 years and 6 months imprisonment on charges of “carrying out activities on behalf of the organization despite not being an organization member” and “keeping and using flammable and explosive material”. Two months ago, Gümüþtaþ was transferred to the cell of ordinary prisoners from the cell of political prisoners.

Translator: Berna Ozgencil