Hasan Aşa, 57, arrested in 2013 on charges of "membership in a terrorist organization" and "terror propaganda," was sentenced to 13 years and 6 months after being re-arrested in 2015. He has been transferred to various prisons, currently being held in Ankara’s Sincan 1st High-Security Prison.

 

Although Aşa completed his sentence in 2022, his release has been delayed multiple times. The Forensic Medicine Institution (ATK) has determined he is fit for imprisonment, but Aşa’s health has significantly worsened. He now requires dialysis three times a week and suffers from anxiety disorder. Despite this, he faces 15 lawsuits, including charges of “insulting a public officer” and “damaging property”.

 

HEALTH ISSUES IGNORED  

 

Lawyer from the Human Rights Association (IHD) Erdal Kuzu emphasized that Aşa’s release is continually blocked, despite his severe disability. Kuzu said, “Prison authorities have ignored his health problems while filling charges against him Aşa must be released immediately due to his condition, especially considering the current negotiations between the state and Abdullah Öcalan.”

 

MA / Ahmet Kanbal