The hunger strike Democratic Society Congress Co-chair and People's Democratic Party (HDP) Hakkari MP Leyla Güven initiated against the isolation of PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan is on its 197th day. Güven's elder sister Kadın Ot spoke about Leyla to Mesopotamian Agency (MA).

 

 

Ot, pointing the house Leyla was born and raised in, said: "She came to the world in this house. She grew up in this house. She went to school in this village. She is so valuable to us. We love her so much. We grew up together. We used to go to the highlands together. We milked the sheep." Ot who stated that Güven is loved by everyone in the village, added: "Leylê was so charitable and helpful. She was involved in politics in 1992 in Konya.From that day on she is with the party. She left us. Leylê was a courageous woman.She pulls no punches.Leylê says what she will do and does it. SHe never submitted to anyone."

 

'MY MOM DIED BEFORE SHE CAN SEE HER'

 

 

Ot, who stated that she was able to visit Güven once after she started the hunger strike, said she stayed with her for 5 days. Ot who called to mind that Güven could not attend to the funerals of both her father and her mother, added: "My father was bed bound for 7 months. Leylê was in prison for 5 years back then, she couldn't see my father. My mother was in bed for 3 years.Leylê took her with herself and took care of our mother for a year.My mother wanted to come back to our village. Leylê got arrested when she came back. My mom died before she can see Leylê. Her last words was that she couldn't see Leylê."

 

 

'SHE IS DETERMINED TO WALK TO HER DEATH'

 

 

Ot who emphasized that Güven was always determined, said:"She never turns back from what she started even if there's death at the end. We are feeling so sad. This country needs peace. This country needs peace badly. There are mothers whose children are missing, there are mothers who haven't been able to see their children for decades. There are people who had to migrate to Europe and can't come back home. We want a solution. How long will it go on like this? Everybody should unite. That's what we want. Enough is enough, êdî bes e!"  

 

 

Ot who stated that she wants the deaths to stop, addressed the government and said: "For me they are all Leyla. Can't they see that? Young people are on hunger strike. Mothers are hurting. Everybody should unite. Lend us your hand. It's enough it hurts to drink a sip of water.

 

'I WILL VISIT HER WHEN THE HUNGER STRIKES END'

 

Ot who stated that she is waiting for the demands of Güven and the prisoners met, said: "I will go to my sister once the hunger strikes end. I can't even speak to her on the phone anymore.I talk to my niece Sabiha. She tells me Leyla is in critical condition every time I call her. We are breathlessly waiting for the news to come."