Release of 30-year prisoner postponed for 6 months

img

ÊLIH - Şükran Akkurt, the sister of Şakir Akkurt, a 30-year prisoner whose release was postponed for 6 months, said: "I do not accept this cruelty."

Şakir Akkurt (53) was arrested after being detained in Awiskê Town of Qûbîn (Beşiri) district of Êlih in 1994. Akkurt was sentenced to life imprisonment at the State Security Court. Akkurt, who is currently held in Antalya Type S Closed Prison, completed the execution of his sentence on April 24. However, by the decision of the Administration and Observation Board (IGK), Akkurt's release was postponed for 6 months. It was learned that Akkurt's release was postponed due to his refusal to accept the imposition of "regret".
 
'IT IS ENOUGH'
 
Akkurt's older sister, Şükran Akkurt (55), who lives in Êlih and is also the Peace Mother, reacted, "I do not accept this cruelty." Sister Akkurt, who called on the Ministry of Justice, said: "Enough is enough. Why is the execution of a prisoner who has completed 30 years postponed? Some are postponed for 3 months, some for 6 months, and some for 1 year. You deprive them of everything because they are Kurd. Just being Kurd is enough for them to be seen as enemies.”
 
Pointing to the ongoing protests in prisons, "Prisoners do not come to phone calls or meetings. Families cannot hear from them at all. CPT came to Turkey, but there was no result. We want to get a result and expect a solution regarding the situation of the prisoners without wasting time" Sister Akkurt said. 
 
Akkurt also made the following call to the families of the prisoners: "We have not heard from our children or siblings for more than two months. Let's make our voices heard in the areas together. Let's look for a solution together."