Current situation in hunger strikes in Southern Kurdistan

Yagiz has trouble getting out of bed and his fragile body doesn’t allow him to sit up.

Nasir Yagiz has been on a hunger strike for 105 days in Hewler, and his body grows more fragile with every passing day. But Yagiz and Fadile Tok in Maxmur, as well as other hunger strikers in Southern Kurdistan, say they are determined.

Nasir Yagiz continues his hunger strike in the HDP Hewler offices, demanding an end to the isolation imposed upon Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Ocalan, and his health worsens with every passing hour.

Nasir Yagiz has had symptoms for weeks, but now spends most of his day in bed. He has trouble getting out of bed and his fragile body doesn’t allow him to sit up.

Nasir Yagiz’s sight and hearing are also extremely weakened, and he has severe stomach cramps and headaches. Yagiz says he is still determined to continue with his protest.

In Maxmur, Ishtar Assembly Coordination Member Fadile Tok’s indefinite non-alternating hunger strike also continues on day 45. Tok suffers from blood pressure issues and severe and frequent headaches. Tok says she has great morale and is very determined.

Other than Hewler and Maxmur, there are several other sites with hunger strikes throughout Southern Kurdistan. Herem Mahmud started an indefinite non-alternating hunger strike on February 24 in Kelar, and is currently on day 10.

The hunger strike launched on November 14 in the Mesopotamia Workers’ Association in Sulaymaniyah also continues on day 84.