Turkish Ministry of Internal Affairs had claimed that HPG (People’s Defense Forces) guerrilla Abdulsıttar Özer died during a clash with Turkish military in Lice district of Amed (Diyarbakır) on April 14th. However, it turned out that Özer was injured and was taken to Dicle University Hospital in Amed on April 15th. Having suffered an injury in a foot and fractures in a leg, Özer was taken under treatment for infection in the leg.

Before completion of his treatment, he was taken to Diyarbakır Courthouse on a wheelchair on April 28th. Giving his statement to Lice Public Prosecutor’s Office via video conferencing system (SEGBIS) in the courthouse, Özer used his right to remain silent. The HPG guerrilla then appeared in court where he again used his right to remain silent.

DENIED CONTACT WITH THE FAMILY

The court ordered Özer’s arrest for allegedly “disrupting the unity and territorial integrity of the state”. Özer was then sent to Diyarbakır D Type Prison and taken to hospital for treatment on the same day. Özer was taken back to prison on April 6th as his health condition improved. It is reported that he has not been allowed to contact his family yet.