Şerafettin Özalp, Co-mayor of DBP-held Özalp district municipality in Van was receiving regular treatment before his imprisonment and transfer to Gümüşhane Type E Prison 6 months ago.

Suffering from severe health problems, Özalp submitted his medical reports to the prison administration and the prosecutor's office in the first week of his imprisonment. He hasn't received an answer to his demand for treatment during the 6 months that have passed since.

The Co-mayor's wife Zübeyde Özalp stated that they applied to the prison administration and the prosecutor's office numerous times on this issue, but were rejected every time with the answer “We cannot refer him to hospital under these OHAL circumstances. Let him handle it a bit.”

Zübeyde Özalp recalled that there are hundreds of prisoners with serious health problems, and called for awareness on this matter. She added that they have applied to the IHD (Human Rights Association) Van Branch and demanded legal support.