Since November 27, 2020, a hunger strike has been taking place in Turkish prisons for an end to the destructive prison conditions and to the aggravated isolation imposed on Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan. The hunger strike was conducted in five-day shifts until July 14. Since then, the protest has been held at 15-day intervals. A solidarity hunger strike has also been taking place in the Maxmur refugee camp in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq) since December 18, 2020, and in the Lavrio refugee camp near Athens for 232 days.

Conditions in Turkish prisons have deteriorated massively under the pretext of the Corona pandemic. While fascist prisoners and violent criminals have been released by the tens of thousands as part of a prison reform, political prisoners are subjected to a regime of isolation. Cells lack everything from hygiene materials to sufficient water for cleaning. Visitation is almost impossible. Treatment of sick prisoners involves isolation and assaults. Considering the pandemic, prison conditions can be considered life-threatening.

The isolation of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan has also been tightened. Visits by lawyers and relatives are impossible, as is contact by letter or telephone. The prisoners demand that the situation change and that Öcalan be allowed to play his role for peace and freedom in Kurdistan.