Anatolian Aid and Solidarity Association with Families of Disappeared People (ANYAKAY-DER) issued a statement regarding the situation of prisoners in Imralı and other prisons.

Speaking at a press conference held at the association's headquarters in Fatih, ANYAKAY-DER co-chair Sultan Karasu recalled that the new execution law does not cover political prisoners and added that this goes against the principles of law and equality.

Drawing attention to the situation of Öcalan, Karasu said that Öcalan's health is a matter of public interest.

Karasu called on the government to grant lawyers and family an immediate visit.

Karasu also reminded that many press workers, lawyers, academics, artists, deputies and mayors are being held in prisons. 

“We all know, unfortunately, that this virus will cause deaths when it reaches prisoners," said Karasu adding: “We must prevent prisons turning into funeral homes.”