Turkish educators on hunger strike at risk of death: Ankara Chamber of Doctors

Gamze Kolcu – ANKARA

The two jailed Turkish educators who are on hunger strike in protest at their dismissal through state of emergency decrees are at risk of death, Ankara Chamber of Doctors head Prof. Dr. Vedat Bulut has said. 

“They have been continuing their hunger strikes for 17 days in Sincan Prison [in Ankara]. During this period, our chamber could not get information about their deteriorating health conditions, as we cannot perform medical examinations,” Bulut said.

“Our application to the Justice Ministry to conduct health check-ups was denied. Our last evaluation indicated that there was significant weight loss and weakness in their muscle-skeleton systems, as well as their neural systems,” he added. 

Nuriye Gülmen, an academic, and Semih Özakça, a primary school teacher, were arrested on terror charges late on May 23, the 75th day of their hunger strike. They have been reportedly continuing their hunger strikes in jail since then. 

“It is not medically acceptable that they are condemned to go through the stress of being arrested in addition to hunger. It is obvious that Gülmen and Özakça’s health situations could turn dramatically any moment into a disability that is impossible to treat. There is also risk of death,” said Bulut.