The health of YPG fighters Savaş Sönmez and Erkin Selanik, who were wounded in Kobanê while fighting ISIS gangs, then arrested in the hospitals where they were receiving treatment and accused of ‘membership of an organisation and acting against the Turkish state’, is deteriorating on account of being denied treatment for their wounds.  

YPG fighters Savaş Sönmez and Erkin Selanik were taken by police from the Şanlıurfa Balıklıgöl state hospital on 17 March, and subsequently formally arrested on a charge of ‘membership of an organisation’ and sent to the Urfa E type prison. Following efforts by the men’s families and lawyers, the two were sent to the Gaziantep University Hospital for treatment. However, because the university hospital does not have a secure facility for prison inmates, they were sent to the Çukurova university hospital, but then taken to the Osmaniye T type prison without receiving treatment. The health of the two inmates is continuing to deteriorate.

Treatment must begin immediately

HDP Adana parliamentary candidate Tugay Bek said: "Erkin Selanik lost an eye in Kobanê when he was hit by a piece of shrapnel. There is a risk he will lose the other eye if he does not receive treatment. As for Savaş Sönmez, his jaw was shattered by shrapnel in Kobane and has problems eating. We demand that they begin to receive treatment immediately.”

Their only crime was to join the resistance in Kobanê

Bek added that the only crime the two had committed was to join the resistance in Kobanê, saying this should not be considered a hostile act against the Republic of Turkey. Bek said the condition of both men was worsening and that they needed urgent treatment.