The alternating hunger strike launched by political prisoners in Van F Type High Security Closed Prison on September 14 continues. The prisoners, who joined the 10-day action in groups of 6-7, want the practices that have been going on since the State of Emergency (OHAL) period to end.

Prisoners’ demands

The demands of the prisoners are as follows: Violations of rights and isolation against political prisoners should end; wire fences on the courtyards of the wards should be removed; arbitrary body searches in open and closed visits should end; radios confiscated during the state of emergency should be returned; the duration of the air time for prisoners with aggravated life should be increased (1 hour); the attitude that political prisoners should not be placed in the same corridors with other prisoners and be concentrated in two blocks should end.

Mother of hunger striker: We are not afraid and we will not give up our rights

Zübeyde Timur, mother of Botan Timur, one of the prisoners on hunger strikes, said: "Inhumane treatment is being carried out in prisons. Our children have now gone on a hunger strike to put an end to these policies. We are not afraid and we will not give up our rights. I call on all mothers for support."

Botan Timur’s mother continued: "Either the demands of our children are met as soon as possible, or we will go on strike in front of the prison. Kurdish people are subjected to persecution because we demand our rights. They come up with an excuse for every Kurd they kill. We will not bow."