Izzettin Sevilgen has been released after 31 years in Turkish prison and was welcomed enthusiastically in Siirt. The release had been postponed several times because the Kurdish prisoner, who was convicted of PKK membership, showed no remorse.
Izzettin Sevilgen has been released after more than 31 years in Turkish prisons. The Kurdish man was arrested on 15 June 1992 in Eruh district of Siirt and sentenced to life imprisonment in the State Security Court of Diyarbakır (ku. Amed) on PKK membership and separatism charges. His regular release was set to take place on 15 June 2022. Because he did not make a confession of remorse, his release was postponed four times by the prison's administration and control committee.
On Thursday evening, Sevilgen was finally released from the detention centre in Giresun. On his arrival in Siirt today, he was enthusiastically welcomed by a large group of people. Sevilgen said that he had to leave behind friends in prison who have been resisting for decades: "They all send their regards to you. My hope is that they will all be out soon." During the welcome, accompanied by applause and trills of joy, white doves were let fly as a symbol of freedom and peace.
