Husband in prison for 26 years, son for 18 years

Anf English

Conditions in detention centres in Turkey are becoming increasingly dramatic. For sick prisoners, these conditions are deadly. In recent months, the political treatment of sick prisoners has taken on a planned dimension and led to at least seven deaths. A new law on execution also blocks the release of prisoners who have served their sentences and show no remorse. The political campaign of extermination against the Kurds is currently also concentrated in the prisons.

Since mid-November, members of political prisoners have been carrying out a “justice vigil” in the premises of the Bar Association of Amed (tr. Diyarbakir). The aim of the initiative is to cause an outcry within the public and to move the entire civil society to act on behalf of the political prisoners – also in the west of the country. Concerned for the lives of their imprisoned relatives, people are demanding that legal standards be respected.

One of these activists is Hasine Güler. Her husband Sidik has been in prison for 26 years, her son Habip for 18 years. Both have serious health problems, Hasine Güler demands the suspension of the sentence. Yakup, another son, died in the guerrilla war and was buried in an unknown place.

Arrest during morning prayer

Hasine Güler tells the following about her husband’s arrest: “When the security forces entered our house, my husband was at morning prayers. He was arrested for an incident he had nothing to do with. Although he did nothing, he has been in prison for 26 years. After his arrest, it was very difficult for us as a family. Once he was released, he was imprisoned again after his conviction became final. He was first in Diyarbakir prison, then he was transferred to Aydin and from there to other places. Most recently, he was taken to Iskenderun prison. My husband has had three heart operations…