Journalist Kibriye Evren, who was arrested and remanded in custody on 9 October 2018 as part of the investigation carried out by the Diyarbakır Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, went on hunger strike on 16 December.

Together with political prisoners Evin Kaya they are on their 40th day of hunger strike in Diyarbakır E Type prison.

Evren has joined the hunger strike initiated by HDP Hakkari MP Leyla Güven who has been fasting for 79 days demanding the end of isolation against Abdullah Öcalan.

‘We are determined'

Evren said in a message she sent: “The situation of Leyla Güven has become so severe that she is no longer able to walk alone and has reached a critical stage. Vitamin B1 is not provided with the excuse that there is no ‘budget’ for it. Each passing the day her situation worsens as ours, but we embarked on this action freely. And our determination grows by the day.”

The message added: “The isolation against Abdullah Öcalan must end and his right to freedom of expression and communication with his family and lawyers must be granted. This is not a privilege but a universal right.”

In her message Evren also said: “As a journalist, if I were free, I would make everything in my hands to become the voice of the hunger strikers and convey their message to society. However, as a journalist in prison, I am conscious of what is required from me. We claim our rightful demands by using our bodies. In this respect, as a journalist who feels the pulse of society, I know that, given the opportunities in prison, this is the society’s expectation.”

‘Genocidal policies’

Isolation, said Evren, “has deepened and worsened, since the visit granted in 2016 to Mr. Öcalan. Recently, a short visit by his brother was allowed but it was not a sufficient step to solve the issue. The demands are overturned and the problems are deepening. This approach is extremely dangerous and is an unlawful practice even under the current legal system. It is the most important part of the genocide policies.”

Evren added: “The isolation of a person with a historical mission, such as Mr. Öcalan, is a universal problem. Actions are being organised all over the world reclaiming a solution to this issue.

The result of this action can have irreversible consequences for us. Leyla Güven’s life is threatened. There is a new historical period going on in prisons. The important thing is that the political heritage that we will leave. The memory of the world is always stronger than the history written by the governments. Those who resist are writing this memory."