Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has extended solidarity with lawyers Timtik and Unsal currently on hunger strike in a Turkish prison.

The West Belfast MLA [North of Ireland Assembly MP] said: "It is deeply concerning that two members of the Contemporary Lawyers Association, Ms Ebru Timtik and Ms Aytaç Unsal, have been on hunger strike for almost two months in a Turkish prison." 

The lawyers went on death fast as from 5 April demanding justice and the right to a fair trial.

Sheehan added: "In Turkey earlier this year members of the band 'Grup Yorum', Ms Helin Bolek and Ibrahim Gokcek, died on hunger strike protesting against the suppression of their political views through music. A third hunger striker, Mustafa Kocak, died in prison demanding the right to a fair trial. We cannot allow a repeat of these tragic situations."

Sinn Féin MLA continued: "Turkish authorities must respect the reasonable demands of the hunger strikers and open a meaningful dialogue with the prisoners and their representatives before their conditions deteriorate further. It is important that the international community stands firmly in support of the hunger strikers and their campaign for rights, equality and an end to Turkish repression."