There has been no news from PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan, who is held under absolute isolation in İmralı Type F High Security Closed Prison, for 34 months. A campaign was launched in 74 centers around the world on October 10, 2023, with the motto "Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan, solution to the Kurdish issue", against the continuation of the Imrali isolation. Prisoners in prisons also started a hunger strike on November 27, 2023, with the same demand as part of the campaign. Families of the prisoners, who will continue the protest until February 15, also started Justice Watch actions in many cities.

 

Calling for the expansion of the "Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan, solution to the Kurdish issue" campaign, Aslıhan Çepra, Co-chair of the Sêrt Solidarity Association with the Families of Prisoners (TUAY-DER), and Mothers of Peace Assembly member Ayşe Taşçı, called for resistance against the isolation and said that the Kurds must take action.

 

RESISTANCE OF MOTHERS AGAINST SILENCE

 

Çepra stated that national and international conventions were ignored with the isolation and that the criminal file of the government, which deepened the isolation, was extensive. Stating that practices that amount to torture in prisons must be ended, Çepra said: “The ongoing resistance led by mothers is an answer to the silence. All rights of prisoners in prisons have been taken away. Those whose sentences are over are not released. They are held in solitary cells. Their letters are confiscated. Even their papers and pens are confiscated. Arbitrary practices are at their peak."

 

'PEOPLE MUST TAKE CARE OF THE PRISONERS'

 

Emphasizing that the antidote to fear is resistance, Çepra said: “This people must protect the prisoners. How long will this fear continue? Let's support Mr. Öcalan and the prisoners. Let's support their resistance. We have no choice but to resist. Only if we resist will this oppression end. Our demands are met. The people of Siirt must also do their part."

 

'THE KURDS MUST RESIST AGAINST ISOLATION IN EVERY FIELD'

 

Sêrt Mothers of Peace Assembly member Ayşe Taşçı stated that Abdullah Öcalan has been held in absolute isolation for 25 years and said: “This silence is enough. How long will we remain in silence? The bodies of these people's children are coming out of prisons. There has been no news from Mr. Öcalan for a long time. Mr. Öcalan reminded us that we are Kurds. Now he is facing great oppression, but there is no resistance equal to his struggle. Kurds must resist in all areas where they exist. We have no choice but to resist."

 

MA / Fethi Balaman