Musa Sertkal, who was arrested in 2005 in the Payîzava (Gürpınar) district of Wan (Van) and is being held in Kandıra F-Type Prison, is not being released despite his illnesses. It was stated that Sertkal, who has developed conditions in prison such as a stomach ulcer, digestive system disorders and a mass in his intestines, is struggling to meet even his basic needs.

 

 

Salih Sertkal, who drew attention to his brother Musa Sertkal's condition, said: "Even though our father and my brother's wife also have many illnesses, we travel thousands of kilometres. Despite all the petitions we have submitted, he is not transferred to Van prison. In this way, families are actually being punished."

 

Stating that his brother is largely taken to the infirmary for treatment, Sertkal said that when he is taken to hospital, his right to health is violated due to the practices applied there and he is not treated. Saying that his brother has been held in solitary confinement for 10 years, Sertkal stated that the state's approach toward ill prisoners has not changed despite the process, and that this has created a sense of distrust.

 

Touching on the Peace and Democratic Society Process, Sertkal said that both prisoners and their families are hopeful about the process, but that the state's approach toward ill prisoners brings about this distrust. Sertkal said: "When we go for visits, their only request is for there to be an honourable, lasting and genuine peace in Turkey. Political prisoners are not saying 'let there be peace so we can get out immediately.' Their only demand is for rights to be permanent in Turkey for both sides. As families of prisoners, we support this process."

 

During his 21 years in prison, Musa Sertkal, who has focused on Kurdish, has authored the books "Çîroka Welatparêziyê (The Story of Patriotism)" and "Çîrûskên Kobanê (Sparks of Kobane)", which he has shared with readers.