Eight prisoners held by People's Defense Forces (HPG) have been handed over to the delegation coming from Turkey in the guerrilla-controlled Media Defense Areas today.

The delegation has left Media Defense Areas with the eight prisoners following a press conference a protocol signing by HPG authorities and the delegation from Turkey. With the departure of the delegation, families of prisoners have been taken to Habur border gate where they will meet their children.

The released public officials and soldiers will bear testimony to a prosecutor and undergo medical examination before they are sent to Mardin or Diyarbakır with helicopters together with their families.

Speaking at the press conference in Media Defense Areas, HPG Military Council member Bawer Dersim said that they handed over the prisoners upon the call of the Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan. "With doing this, we aim to make a contribution to the ongoing process of talks with our leader. The prisoners have never been subjected to an insulting or ill treatment by our side. The reason why we are here today is the fact that the Kurdish problem still remains unsolved", he said.

HPG delegation has also given the delegation coming from Turkey reports on the medical condition of the eight prisoners.