The family of fifteen-year-old Berivan Sayaca who is in prison in Diyarbakir, was awarded by the Swedish Committee of Human Rights Association of Europe as a symbol of support for all imprisoned children and their families. Young Berivan Sayaca had been sentenced to seven years and nine months in prison for simply throwing stones at police during a meeting organized by Peace and Democracy Part (BDP) in Batman.

Since her letter to the Human Rights Association Elazig Branch has been released by the press, the spritely Sayaca has gained notoriety and respect.

Her letter caused an uproar in the community. She wrote, “I’m drowning and imprisoned though I have committed no great crime. It is more than I can stand. I feel so much pain. I do not deserve to be here.”

Sayaca also disclosed that torture abounds in the prison: “Police beat me when they first caught me during the demonstration. I did not know what was going on until police told me. I was there to visit my relatives. And I was caught by police who covered my face by a scarf and took my picture. I did not understand why I was beaten. I have still bruises on my legs.

You cannot imagine how terrible a place the prison is. Words are not enough to explain it. I’m so scared to spend the rest of my childhood in here. I do not deserve to be behind bars, no one deserves it. I’m so sorry for being here since I do not understand why I’m here. I want to be with my family, in my house, go to school, play with my friends. I miss all of them too much. I’m feeling too much pain. I want to be free instead of being in prison.”

Berivan, who decorated her letter with pictures of hearts, trees and roses, has been locked up in Diyarbakir E Type Prison since October 9. According to the conviction, she won’t be freed until she is 23 years old.