The indefinite-irreversible hunger strike launched by Shengal Diaspora Assembly members in Strasbourg with the demand of urgent action on Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan’s health and safety and recognition for Ezidxan, and Shengal foremost, has reached its fourth day.

The hunger strike had started on August 23 with a press statement in front of the Council of Europe (CE) and CPT, and continued in La Tres-Sante-Trinité Church. 11 people are on hunger strike, including Shengal Diaspora Assembly Co-chair Fikret İgrek and Peşimam Ekrem.

4 Alevi members of the Democratic Alevi Federations (FEDA) will also join the hunger strike for the coming week in support.

FLYERS HANDED OUT IN FRONT OF CE AND CPT BUILDINGS AND CITY CENTER

The Preparation Committee has issued a statement and said the strikers continued with very high morale and started the day with a meeting on the duties of the day.

In line with the hunger strike, 4 activists handed out flyers that included the demands and an urgent call for action in front of the offices of CE and CPT, which are among the main addressees.

Another group of activists passed out flyers in the cathedral zone in the city center to create awareness.

VISIT FROM CHURCH PRIEST AND ADMINISTRATION

Priest Jean Stahl and Genvieve Bathalam from church administration in La Tres-Sainte-Trinité Church hosting the hunger strike paid the activists a visit.

Priest Stahl said that the activists’ demands were rightful and that they supported them because they were voicing the demand for peace and freedom. Stahl said they will support the activists during the hunger strike but they didn’t want to comment on any political or religious aspect.

VISITS FROM MEDIA OUTLETS

Since the strike started, activists have given interviews to several national and regional French press and the international media.

France’s Info tv station, DNA newspaper and Colombia radio and others conducted interviews the day before and numerous media outlets have called for appointments.

“OUR MORALE IS VERY HIGH”

Shengal Diaspora Assembly Co-chair Fikret İgrek said that although it’s only the third day of the hunger strike, they had a doctor with them at all times and they had checks regularly.

İgrek pointed out the aim of the hunger strike and said: “Our morale is very high, and with this determination we will continue until our demands are met. We launched this protest with great determination in our hearts. In this sense, what we want is that our intended message be understood correctly.”

SUPPORT VISITS FROM GERMANY, SWITZERLAND AND PARIS

The hunger strike has many visitors, including people from Kurdistan, Turkey and France living in Strasbourg.

Many groups from Paris and countries like Germany and Switzerland also come for support visits.

Activists follow latest developments and hold discussions during the hunger strike as well.