The Hunger Strikes Monitoring Marmara Coordination held a press conference at the Istanbul Branch of the Human Rights Association (IHD) regarding the hunger strikes launched in prisons against the Imrali isolation. Human Rights Association (IHD), the Lawyers Association for Freedom (ÖHD), Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TIHV), Marmara Solidarity with Prisoners’  Families Association (MATUHAY-DER), Health and Social Workers Union (SES), Contemporary Lawyers Association (ÇHD) Istanbul Branch representatives attended the press release.

Lives are under threat

In a joint statement, Ümit Biçer, a member of the TIHV Board of Directors said, "Isolation is a serious violation of human rights and the law."

Isolation is a torture method

Biçer said that isolation is a fundamental violation of human rights and has become a social problem. Biçer added: "We, as human rights, legal and health organizations, express that we will continue our efforts to end the isolation torture in prisons with more effective methods, we invite the public to sensitivity and solidarity."

People need to react

After the statement, the representatives of the various organisations made speeches. ÖHD Istanbul co-chair Arzu Kaya noted that the Imrali special isolation system has spread to all prisons and is currently being applied to the society. Kaya pointed out that there should be a social opposition to this violation of rights.

Referring to the so-called Human Rights Action Plan announced by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan yesterday, Kaya said: “The state should always prioritize the right to life and health. The plan Erdogan announced should first be put into practice by lifting the isolation”.

22 years of isolation in Imrali

SES Istanbul member Davut Ak said that “People have a great responsibility to denounce the isolation in Imrali which marked its 22 years.”

ÇHD Istanbul Branch President Çiğdem Akgül said: “The human rights action plan announced by the government  is a confession of the usurpation of rights. One of these rights violations is Imrali isolation."

TIHV Istanbul representative Ümit Efe said that "isolation is the most effective violence and violation of rights. We will do our best to raise the voices of the prisoners and to meet their demands. Social solidarity is important in this sense”.

MA-TUYADER member Hüsnü Taş explained the consequences and the damage caused by the hunger strikes of the prisoners and asked the authorities to fulfill their responsibilities and meet the demands of the prisoners.