The Peace Mothers Assembly issued joint statements in front of prisons across many cities in Kurdistan and Turkey for Mother’s Day. The statements were held under the slogan “Dîyarîya herî mezin ji bo dayikan aştî ye/The greatest gift for mothers is peace” and were attended by representatives of numerous political parties and civil society organisations.

 

During the gatherings held in Amed (Diyarbakır), Istanbul, Şirnex (Şırnak), Mêrdîn (Mardin), Riha (Urfa), Dîlok (Antep), Agirî (Ağrı), Wan (Van), Bedlîs (Bitlis), Êlih (Batman), Adana, Mersin, İzmir and many other cities, slogans including “Bijî berxwedana dayikan (Long live the resistance of mothers)”, “Bijî berxwedana zindanan (Long live resistance of dungeons)” and “Bijî Serok Apo (Long live Leader Apo)” were chanted.

 

In the statements, the Peace Mothers drew attention to rights violations in prisons and called for the release of ill prisoners and those who have completed their sentences.

 

The mothers recalled the steps taken by Abdullah Öcalan and the Kurdish Freedom Movement, criticising the state’s silence in response.

 

Referring to the ongoing isolation imposed on political prisoners, especially Abdullah Öcalan, the mothers said it would not be possible to speak of peace while isolation continues.

 

Calling for the recognition of the status of Abdullah Öcalan and the Kurdish people, the mothers also demanded the immediate implementation of the European Court of Human Rights’ “right to hope” ruling concerning Abdullah Öcalan.