Lawyers Hunger Strike Closing to Death

Lawyer Behic Asci, who pursues a hunger strike since April 5 for the abolition of isolation practices in F-type imprisonment facilities, criticizes news that he's linked to a far-leftist group as "provocative".

Already 122 people died at hunger strike since the introduction of the F-type facilities in December 2000.

The protesters demand partial improvements in existing practices while government forms a work group with NGOs and experts for a definitive solution to the problem.

Turkey's Human Rights Foundation (TIHV) report showed many prisoners suffer from psychological trauma and distress resulting from the isolation policies in facilities.

NGOs mobilize for support

The Bar Association of Istanbul made a statement today calling the government to end denial and save their colleagues from death.

Several NGOs, workers' unions, intellectuals and artists came together last week to make a call to the Minister of Justice to act before Ahci's strike reaches to its evident end.

Union of Turkish Doctors (TTB) chair Gencay Gürsoy said that the government is insisting on a policy of denial.

Confederation of Revolutionary Workers' Unions (DISK) general secretary Suleyman Celebi noted that a democratization process, which would allow different thought to exist in Turkey must continue.

The platform, including writers, artists and academics made a declaration demanding an execution system compatible with international standards.(AO/EÜ)