MÛŞ - Speaking at a statement calling for an investigation into the death of Özcan Aksu, who lost his life under suspicious circumstances in prison, DEM Party Mûş MP Sümeyye Boz said: “We want this incident to be thoroughly investigated and the truth to be brought to light.”

 

The Mûş Democratic Institutions Platform held a public statement in Kobanê Square, calling for the truth behind the suspicious death of Özcan Aksu in prison to be uncovered. A banner reading “Justice for Özcan Aksu” “We will continue our struggle until the truth is revealed and justice is served” was held during the statement. Members of Aksu’s family, representatives of civil society organizations and local residents attended the event. Speaking at the gathering, DBP Mûş Provincial Co-Chair Umut Yılmaz stressed that Aksu’s death was suspicious and called for the circumstances surrounding his death to be fully investigated.

 

DEM Party Mûş MP Sümeyye Boz said that when a person dies in state custody, the state and its institutions bear responsibility for their death. She said: “The state was responsible for Özcan’s life. We want this incident to be thoroughly investigated and those responsible, whoever they may be, to be identified as soon as possible. We do not even know exactly how the incident happened. We do not know what the CCTV footage shows. We want all of this to be brought to light as soon as possible.”

 

‘WE WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE CASE’

 

Speaking afterwards, Nuriye Arslantaş, a representative of Mûş branch of TUHAYDER (Association for Solidarity with Families of Prisoners and Convicts) recalled that signs of torture had been found on Aksu’s body following his death. Describing Aksu’s death as a serious violation of rights, Nuriye Arslantaş said: “It is unacceptable that Özcan Aksu, who was taken into custody in good health but kept hidden for days and held in prison with severe signs of torture and beatings, subsequently died under suspicious circumstances. The life and physical integrity of anyone taken into custody or detained are entirely the responsibility and duty of the state. We demand the immediate investigation of all rights violations, acts of torture and suspicious deaths in custody and prisons, and that all public officials responsible be brought to justice. We will continue to raise our voices until justice is served for Özcan Aksu. We will continue to closely monitor the case.”