Mothers of prisoners on hunger strike against the Imrali isolation are going on a 3 day hunger strike to show solidarity with prisoners on hunger strikes and death fasts. Mothers and relatives of prisoners are to hold the hunger strike in the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Seyhan District Chapter, where they also held a press conference.

The families put up two banners, one reading “Isolation is a crime against humanity. End the isolation. Prevent deaths.” and the other “Leyla Guven is right. The isolation must end.” which also has a photograph of Leyla Guven.

HDP Adana MPs Tulay Hatimogullari and Kemal Pekoz, HDP district and province administrators, Democratic Regions Party (DBP), Peoples’ Democratic Congress (HDK) and Cukurova Families of Arrestees and Convicts Solidarity Association (TUAYDER) as well as members of the public attended the protest.

DBP Caucus Member and brother of Bayram Demirhan, who has been on a hunger strike since January 5 in the Mardin Closed Prison Type E, Erol Demirhan said thousands of prisoners are on hunger strikes and 15 prisoners are on a death fast. Demirhan said the prisoners’ health is at a critical stage and added that they launched the 3 day hunger strike due to the need for public awareness.

Sabriye Bahadir, mother of Ahmetcan Bahadir who has been on a hunger strike since March 1 in the Tarsus Closed Prison Type T, said: “I know this isn’t just my concern. These people are not giving up their lives for nothing. Don’t let there be bodies coming out of the prison. I am calling on the people, don’t lose hope. We will prevail.”

A youth group visited the mothers and sang songs of resistance together. Mothers called on all circles to come together around their struggle. Mothers will continue their hunger strike until 12:30 on Sunday.