Activists arrested by KDP enter 21st day of hunger strike

Journalists and activists from Behdinan arrested by the KDP in South Kurdistan have been on a hunger strike for 21 days, but they are not allowed to meet with their families.

On 16 February, the Hewlêr Criminal Court sentenced 5 people, including journalists and activists, to 6 years in prison for "violating security and espionage".

Activists Şêrwan Şêrwanî, Şivan Seîd, Guhdar Zêbarî, Eyaz Kerem and Harîwan went on a hunger strike on 17 February to protest the verdict of the court and the conditions of detention in prison.

While the hunger strike was continuing on its 21st day, Şivan Seîd's brother Eyhan Seîd, speaking to Rojnews, said, “We have not heard from Şivan for 3 weeks and we do not know what his health condition is. He is supposed to talk to his family on the phone every week. But he is not allowed to see his family for 3 weeks ”.

Lawyer of the activists Beşdar Hesen said, “Today we want to visit the detainees and clarify their situation. However, it is not yet clear that the authorities will respond positively or negatively to our request for a meeting”.