The rotating-indefinite hunger strike launched by political prisoners in Turkey – to protest against the prison isolation conditions of imprisoned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan and the violations of rights in prisons in the country – has reached its 129th day.
The 26th group of strikers is currently participating in the action. The strike was launched on 27 November last year in prisons in Turkey.
Elsewhere, another hunger strike was launched on 18 December in Makhmour Refugee Camp in Iraqi Kurdistan and it continues into its 108th day. Another hunger strike was launched in Lavrio Camp in Greece and it continues into its 91st day.
Şafi Hayme, father of Mehmet Hayme who is participating in one of the hunger strikes, stated that they do not accept the ‘stalling policies’ of the Turkish state. He noted that the isolation of Öcalan must be removed totally.
Hunger strike spreads to over 107 prisons in Turkey: Rights concerns continue
It has also been reported that several prisoners who have been on the hunger strike action – which has spread to over 107 prisons in the country – have been subjected to mistreatment by the authorities. Human rights organisations have drawn attention to the seriousness of the strikes, which are being held under pandemic conditions, and called on the authorities to resolve the issue.
