Since 27 November 2020, an indefinite hunger strike is being carried out by prisoners who fast in turn, for five days each group. The hunger strike is led by prisoners from the PKK and PAJK and is demanding the lifting of the isolation imposed on Kurdish representative Abdullah Öcalan and the end of rights violations in all other prisons. Cahit Ertan from the Free Lawyers Association (ÖHD) talked to ANF and called on the government to accept the prisoners' demands in order to avoid dramatic consequences as in the past. "The prisoners’ basic demand is the lifting of isolation," said Ertan, adding: "The point is that a person is cut off from the outside world and put in isolation. This is a punishment within the punishment and violates both Turkish and international law. Prisoners are on hunger strike demanding a basic and legitimate right."

The lawyer warned that “the government must take a step before the hunger strike reaches another dimension. People have started the hunger strike in shifts to raise awareness of the problems in the prisons, but if serious steps are not taken, indefinite hunger strike or death fast will begin. So the government has to do something."

Ertan underlined that punishment within the punishment is contrary to human rights and the basic principles of law. “The prisoners are on hunger strike against this injustice and must be given a voice outside. It is of vital importance that all democratic forces speak out for them."