Umut Kartal says that his brother suffered from numerous health problems and did not receive the necessary medical treatment.

He is certain that the state has taken revenge for the hunger strikes lasting several months. Since March Vefa Kartal had not been able to receive visitors due to the corona restrictions in the prisons.

Vefa Kartal was on the list of seriously ill prisoners released by the IHD, but continued to remain behind bars despite his serious condition. The Turkish authorities rejected all applications to release him.

In 2017, he had gone on hunger strike to fight for his rights and get medical treatment. He ended the strike after 114 days. Because his prison conditions did not improve, he went on a death fast for 96 days in 2018. Four months ago he was transferred from Tekirdağ to Edirne. According to his brother Umut Kartal, the conditions there were even worse.