DİYARBAKIR- Lawyer Mustafa Özer who witnessed the death fast period of July 14, pointing out the similarities of the two periods, said: " If our people are ending their lives to contribute to the dignified struggle, to think about how to end this process is the responsibility of the government."

 

After the 1980 Military Coup, a death fast was initiated by Mehmet Hayri Durmuş, Akif Yılmaz, Ali Çiçek and Kemal Pir, the vanguards of PKK in Diyarbakır No 5 Prison on July 14. The demands of the prisoners were met after Mehmet Hayri Durmuş, Akif Yılmaz, Ali Çiçek and Kemal Pir lost their lives the same year. Attorney Mustafa Özer who witnessed the death fast process evaluated those days comparing to now.

 

'THEIR ONLY WEAPON IS THEIR BODIES'

 

Özer who drew attention to the fact that the cause of the hunger strikes is very similar to the death fast in 1982 and the reason back then was the basic human rights and their violations just as it is now. Özer who stated that the reason the prisoners are laying their bodies to hunger is to be able to live a humane life, said: " The only weapon for the people who are under captivity where fundamental rights and freedoms are being violated are their bodies. The only thing they can do under captivity is starving themselves to be heard."

 

'ISOLATION IN IMRALI IS A UNIQUE EXAMPLE THAT CAN NOT BE SEEN ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD'

 

Özer who stated that there is no such practice like the isolation in İmralı anywhere in the world, said: "Madela lived in captivity for 26 years. But no such isolation was practiced on him. Leaders of people are usually oppressed  by the governments anywhere, but such an aggravated isolation is not seen, ever.The struggle of Güven is a dignified and legitimate struggle. And the action initiated by her have reflected to press globally. We hope that they got result and she restores her health."

 

'GOVERNMENT IS RESPONSIBLE'

 

Özer who drew attention to the deaths in the prisons, said "5 young people have lost their lives. There may be more negative outcomes . Unfortunately, the Kurdish people must continue this struggle.  If our people are ending their lives to contribute to the dignified struggle, to think about how to end this process is the responsibility of the government. I hope that this demand will be accepted soon and isolation will be terminated permanently."