Mother waiting for her son in HPG custody for four years

The HPG have 12 soldiers and police in their custody. One of them is Sergeant Semih Özbey. His mother complains that she has been called to patience by the Turkish government for four years, but nothing is happening.

After the end of the peace process, between July 24, 2015 and September 21, 2016, a total of 12 Turkish soldiers and policemen were arrested by the Kurdish guerrillas. For a long time their families have been unaware of the situation of the prisoners. A few weeks ago, the police and soldiers detained by the HPG wrote letters to their relatives. Now that they have been routed to the families through the human rights organization IHD, the relatives of the prisoners have met representatives of the HDP, CHP and AKP factions. They expect steps to be taken to get their relatives released.

Sadiye Özbey, mother of Sergeant Semih Özbey, who was arrested on 18 September 2015, spoke to the MA news agency.

"His letter has reached us, we are very happy"

The mother remembers, "My son was captured 4 years ago. Last time we saw him in a video. Now his letter has reached us before the Eid. We are very happy. We are very happy to hear from our son. He tells us he's fine."

"I think of him every moment"

She continues, "We are waiting for him to return. Let them release our children, they have committed no crime. His only crime is to be an official of the state. He was not captured during a fighting. He was captured when he came to me because I was sick. I'm waiting for my son to return.”

We are always told to "be patient"

Sadiye Özbey states that the families of the captured soldiers and policemen have always been put off by the authorities: "We had previously met with the president and the prime minister. Again and again they told us, 'Be patient, God willing, it will be managed. Have some patience’. I appeal again to the President and Minister of the Interior Soylu. They are also parents. I've been waiting for a message for four years. You should hand over our children to us as soon as possible. I appeal to all to save our children.

"No mother should be victimized anymore"

No mother should become a victim anymore. All mothers and all children are the same. Nobody should suffer anymore. Semih hopefully you will hear my words. We received your letter. We love you very much and wait for you. Take good care of you. God willing we will reunite."