As the indefinite-irreversible hunger strike in Şakran Prison enters day 58, support demonstrations for the hunger strikes in prisons continue. The alternating hunger strike launched by the prisoners’ families in the Democratic Regions Party (DBP) office in İzmir has entered day 7. On the 5th day of the demonstration, Ecologist Ertuğrul Barka, Musa Anter’s daughter Rahşan Anter, DBP Karşıyaka district administrators and members took over the strike. Support visits continue while hunger strikers speak about current matters and developments in the hunger strikes. Ecologist Ertuğrul Barka said human rights, peace and right to life were under attack behind walls and that was why he joined the hunger strike in solidarity.

“THE DEMANDS OF PEOPLE WHO PUT THEIR BODIES ON THE LINE SHOULD BE MET”

Barka said: “But life goes on, and it should go on, and the demands of people who put their bodies on the line for that should be met.” Barka stated that the priority demand of prisoners that the isolation imposed upon Öcalan be lifted should definitely be met and continued: “Negotiations should start with Öcalan. For life to continue and all people to live happily in peace, these conditions should be discussed and crowned with peace. I am here because I support this view. Today is the 57th day of the hunger strike and even if there are no deaths, this will leave permanent effects on the prisoners. We kow this, and it’s not these individuals that are harmed by this, but humanity.”

“INHUMANE PRACTICES IN PRISONS NEVER CEASED”

Musa Anter’s daughter Rahşan Anter said she started a hunger strike for 2 days to support the ongoing hunger strikes in prisons and that the inhumane practices in prisons continued from the past into the present. Anter also said that she joined the hunger strike to represent Apê Musa and added: “If my father was alive, he would be here right now. And he would be in the fore front of the struggle.”

“END THIS TYRANNY”

Hazal Yaşar is the mother of Özkan Yaşar, who has been on hunger strike for 58 days in Şakran T-3 Prison, and she said everybody should speak up against the prisons. Yaşar said they haven’t cooked in their home since their son started the hunger strike and that she participated in demonstrations in all areas to raise her son’s struggle. Yaşar said this tyranny has to end and added: “If our children’s demands are not met, we will put our bodies on the line as well.”