The political initiative “Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan and a political solution to the Kurdish question” is reaching a climax in February. On 27 November, the PKK and PAJK political prisoners went on hunger strike until 15 February to demand an end to Öcalan's isolation. If nothing is done by 15 February, the prison resistance will be taken to a new level. The mothers of prisoners began justice vigils in many cities in Turkey and North Kurdistan.

The vigil for justice in Amed began on 4 December 2023 in the building of the district association of the DEM party in Rezan (Bağlar).

The mothers holding the Justice Vigil in Amed said everyone should support the Freedom March.

Müşeher Ülker from the Amed DBP Provincial Executive Board takes part in the justice vigil together with the mothers. She underlined the demand for news of Abdullah Öcalan, who has not given any sign of life from the prison island of Imrali for almost three years, and stated: “This is our right. Our representative is isolated on Imrali, and that's why I'm taking part in the vigil here. The isolation against him actually affects us all. Mothers are holding this vigil against isolation to make the voices of their sons and daughters in prison heard. All those who stand for humanity must stand against this isolation. Today the isolation extends into our homes. This isolation must end. The mothers feel the isolation within themselves. The Minister of Justice, the President of the Republic, whoever the contact person is, should listen to the mothers' appeal. Isolation is a crime, we want to hear from Mr. Öcalan, we want Mr. Öcalan's freedom."

A march for justice and humanity

Ülker emphasized the importance of the freedom march to Amed and explained: “Two marching columns arrived in Amed. This march is a demonstration for humanity, justice, freedom and peace. This march is a march for mothers who should stop shedding tears. With this march we demand that the isolation be broken and that we receive messages from our representative. The isolation must also be lifted for the prisoners locked up with Leader Öcalan on the prison island of Imralı. They have not seen their families or heard their voices for years. This isolation is unacceptable. Mothers should no longer suffer. This march is important. We want to hear news from Imrali as soon as possible. This march will contribute to that. The entire Kurdish people should welcome the marches with great enthusiasm. Everyone should welcome this march.”

We are protesting for our children

Sulhiye Saruhan, mother of political prisoner Mahsun Saruhan held in Tekirdağ Prison, underlined that the Justice Vigil that has been taking place for weeks must receive broad support. Stating that their only demand is to end the isolation, Saruhan said: “We want the isolation of the Kurdish people and in the prisons to be lifted. The absolute isolation on Imrali affects the entire society. When the isolation in Imrali is lifted, the pressure on society will also ease. Isolation is all we experience today. There is massive repression. Isolation affects everyone. That's why everyone should oppose it. Mothers want is peace and justice. We want everyone to hear our voices, we want all the mothers of prisoners to come to this vigil, we want them to be the voices of their children with us. If we don’t speak out against isolation today, we won’t be able to see our children’s faces tomorrow.”

Saruhan continued: “There is a march for justice, unity, solidarity and peace. people are on the streets in snow and winter demanding an end to isolation. The march will arrive in Amed on 13 February and we will welcome them here with great enthusiasm. This march will make a statement. It will send out a strong message.

These marches will generate a greater response than our action. This march will make all of our voices heard."