The 14 activists who have been on a hunger strike for 85 days demanding an end to the isolation imposed upon Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Ocalan had another medical check up. Dr. Fahrettin Gulsen said the concerning symptoms have increased.

Dr. Fahrettin Gulsen said they have conducted 13 general medical check ups since the hunger strike in Strasbourg began, on top of daily monitoring. Dr. Gulsen said they consider the negative effects on the hunger strikers’ health in two groups.

SYMPTOMS HUNGER STRIKERS SHOW

Dr. Gulsen said the first group of symptoms are systemic discomforts and symptoms, i.e. nausea, vomiting, difficulty taking in liquids, vertigo, tachicardia, arrhythmia, hypotension, gastrointestinal burns, inflammation, extreme pain, weight loss and anal burns.

Kidney infections are also considered in this group of symptoms.

Dr. Gulsen said the second group of symptoms are neurological: Difficulty standing up and walking (ataxia), extreme sensitivity to light, sound and smell, headaches that originate in the back of the head and spread throughout, neuromuscular cramps, ringing in the ears and reduced hearing (tinnitus).

Dr. Fahrettin Gulsen stated that most hunger strikers show these symptoms and that the most prevalent issue is the weight loss and disrupted sleep.

Dr. Gulsen said it is the 85th day of the hunger strike, and stressed that the symptoms of permanent damage raise their concerns with every passing day. Dr. Gulsen added that the demands of the hunger strikers should be met as soon as possible.

URGENT ACTION IS NEEDED

Dr. Fahrettin Gulsen said: “We know that nobody wants the negative outcomes that could come about with the deterioration of the hunger strikers’ health. It is a humanitarian duty to meet the demands of the hunger strikers to end the protest. All our people and political institutions need to take urgent action. Because there could be a negative development in the health of any one of the hunger strikers at any minute. It is difficult to say this, but as a doctor I must do my duty and speak. The urgency of my call must be understood.”

ADVICE FOR VISITORS

Dr. Fahrettin Gulsen concluded with stating that the negative effects on the hunger strikers’ health cause severe restriction on their mobility, and added that visitors should not insist on seeing the hunger strikers in person, but be content with getting information from volunteers.

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