A justice vigil, advocating for the freedom of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan and a democratic resolution to the Kurdish issue, has reached its 100th day across various cities in Turkey, including Diyarbakir (Amed) and Mersin.
In Diyarbakir, families of prisoners and activists donned vests marked with an ‘Isolation is a crime against humanity’ slogan and committed to continued protest action. The PKK leader’s legal and familial visitation rights must be reinstated, the protesters said, linking his isolation to wider issues of prisoner rights and justice.
Similarly, in Mersin, activists celebrated Öcalan’s crucial role in peace negotiations and demanded the Turkish state take action to end his isolation and engage in dialogue.
The vigil and accompanying hunger strikes in Turkish prisons underline the urgency of demands for Öcalan’s freedom and a resolution of the Kurdish issue. Supporters have vowed to maintain their stance for as long as necessary, highlighting a collective determination across generations to fight for justice, freedom and dignity.
The widespread movement, while marking a significant milestone with the 100th day of the justice vigil, seeks to address Öcalan’s condition and catalyse a broader discourse on peace, justice and human rights in Turkey and beyond.