TURKISH
CYPRIOT AND TURKISH MEDIA REVIEW
C
O N T E N T S
No.
236/16
08.12.2016
1.
Akinci: Everyone should do his part in order not to let the historical
opportunity to be lost
2.
Cavusoglu: You cannot continue an open-ended negotiation process forever and
have a result
3.
Eide stated that a road map had emerged in the
negotiations
4.
Turkes alleges that Turkey is guarantor of the entire
Cyprus
5.
Negotiators discussed “foreign relations” at yesterday’s
meeting
6.
Ozgurgun: “We are against territorial concessions”
7.
Commentary: "If Karpasia is lost"
8.
Ozgurgun: “Why should we adopt the time of the EU or the archbishop?”; Denktas:
Turkey did not demand the continuation of summer time
9.
Reactions by the business community and politicians in the breakaway regime to
keep summer time continue
10.
Denktas: The debt exceeded 16 billion TL
11.
Ankara summons German ambassador over ‘misbehaviour’ against Turkish Deputy
Parliament Speaker
12.
Demirtas is being overtly tortured in prison: HDP
lawmaker
1.
Akinci: Everyone should do his part in order not to let the historical
opportunity to be lost
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (08.12.16) reports that Turkish Cypriot
leader Mustafa Akinci, replying to press questions following a meeting with the
President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels, said
there is a serious opportunity for a new era, and everyone should act
accordingly and added: “Everyone should do his part in order for this historical
opportunity for Cyprus not to be lost”. He further said: “We fulfil our
historical responsibility and will continue to do our part” and called on the
Greek Cypriot side to act with the same sense of
responsibility.
Stressing
that January will be a turning point for Cyprus, Akinci said: “Our wish is to
conclude the process positively”.
Asked
whether his expectations from the European Commission are intended for
post-solution or if he had any expectations for the negotiations in January,
Akinci replied: “We have expectations from the EU both for today and after the
solution with regard to financial and technical support. If all goes well, a
referendum will be held within the next 6 or 7 months, as soon as possible in
the middle of the year. We need time for preparing the Turkish Cypriot people
for the European institutions and harmonizing the Turkish Cypriot institutions
into the EU norms. We have already had preparations in this regard. However, it
is difficult to say these preparations are sufficient. We will work in this
respect. This is another area of contribution by the EU”.
Noting
that the EU also follows very closely the Cyprus talks, Akinci said: “Both EU
officials and we, say that we will be in contact with each other whenever we
wish. They want to contribute to the solution in Cyprus. I observed it during
all my contacts in Brussels. The President of the European Commission
Jean-Claude Juncker also reconfirmed this. All sides are aware of the impacts of
a solution which have dimensions beyond the island of Cyprus. Not only the
Turkish and the Greek Cypriots but also Europe needs such a solution. They
clearly voice it. Turkey-EU relations are also crucial in this process. I also
highlighted this point. If the relations between Turkey and Europe advance, it
will have more a positive reflection on the Cyprus problem.”
Pointing
out that during the meeting Juncker clearly expressed that the EU would not
withhold their support, Akinci said: “When we last met with him, he told us that
the EU would provide technical and financial support. He stands by his words and
told us again that they will support a solution in every
aspect.”
When
asked if the EU will send a representative as an observer to the meetings that
will be held on 12 January, Akinci reminded that there was a representative of
the EU in Burgenstock 12 years ago and continued: “Juncker is willing to do so.
Mogherini might be there too. From January 9 to 11, the two communities of
Cyprus will have meetings. It will be the meeting of the two leaders and their
delegations to advance their negotiations. From January 12, these meetings will
become the five-party-conference”.
Recalling
that according to the mutual understanding reached, they will have first
bilateral and then five-party format, and if needed, related parties could
participate in the meeting, Akinci added: “As it was in Burgenstock 12 years
ago, the EU can be involved as a related party next to the negotiation table,
but not as a party present in the negotiation table”.
In
response to a question if the Greek Cypriot leader has any demand to include the
members of the UN Security Council, Akinci said: “There is no consensus reached
on this issue. When you go to increase the number of participants, the more you
increase the number, the more difficult it is to overcome the problems. So, we
are not in favour of expanding. We have not yet concluded the participation of
the EU. It will come to the agenda and determined as the need
arises.”
On
another question, Akinci noted that Juncker stands by his words and there was no
figure mentioned for a financial contribution. He noted that the EU clearly
expressed their support on this issue.
2.
Cavusoglu: You cannot continue an open-ended negotiation process forever and
have a result
According
to illegal Bayrak television (online, 08.12.16), Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt
Cavusoglu, who was also in Brussels to attend the NATO Foreign Ministers
meeting, evaluated the Cyprus issue to the press.
Pointing
out that no result could be obtained from the second round of the Mont Pelerin
talks, the Turkish Foreign Minister reminded that the Greek Cypriot side had
demanded a break during the first round and wanted to leave the table at the
second round of the summit. “As a result of the meetings held on the island a
decision was taken to return to the negotiations. Principally, the talks need
to have a process that will be resolved within a schedule”, Cavusoglu
added.
Noting
that ahead of the 5-party meeting which will start on the 12th of January, the
two sides will continue to take up the outstanding issues, he said: “This is
what we have demanded. The process should be result oriented and scheduled. You
cannot continue an open-ended negotiation process forever and have a result.
Everyone is happy with the current picture. We see this here
also.”
Claiming
that Turkey had always supported and will continue to support the process,
Cavusoglu alleged: “None of the countries provided a stronger support than
Turkey. (...) There is something which our President says: We will be one step
ahead of everyone else. We are and this is how it has always
been”.
Also
evaluating Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci’s Brussels contacts, he said:
“It is healthy that especially the EU leaders, the leaders of other countries
and Foreign Ministers could be briefed by the Turkish side on the latest
developments. Any existing misunderstandings or disinformation could be removed.
Therefore, the EU officials’ invitation of and meeting with Akıncı was extremely
healthy.”
On
the same issue, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris Postasi newspaper (08.12.16)
reports that Turkey’s Foreign Minister Cavusoglu, who was participating in the
NATO Foreign Ministers’ meeting, met also with the British Foreign Secretary
Boris Johnson and wrote in his twitter: “Discussed developments about EU, Cyprus
and Syria w/Foreign Secretary @BorisJohnson of the UK”.
3.
Eide stated that a road map had emerged in the
negotiations
According
to illegal Bayrak television (online, 08.12.16), the UN Secretary General’s
Special Advisor to Cyprus Espen Barth Eide has said that the Cyprus negotiations
had entered a crucial but positive phase.
Speaking
in an exclusive interview to “BRT”, the UN Special Envoy highlighted the
importance of the forthcoming international conference in moving the process
forward.
Explaining
that the deadlock in the negotiations following the failed round of talks in
Mont Pèlerin, Switzerland had been broken last week, Eide said that all
interested parties were preparing for the upcoming talks in Switzerland in
January 2017.
Stating
that the talks were back on track, the UN Special Advisor reminded that the
negotiators of the two leaders will be meeting three times a week to reach as
many convergences as possible on the outstanding chapters before heading off to
Switzerland.
Responding
to a question regarding the problems experienced with the modality of the talks
in the recent past, Eide said that they had made sure that such problems will
not arise in the future.
Pointing
out that the two leaders will also be meeting before the talks in Geneva; Eide
stated that a road map had emerged in the negotiations.
Explaining
that he had held important contacts in Athens and Ankara in the past week, Eide
said that all three guarantor countries, Turkey, Greece and UK were pleased with
the fact that the talks were continuing.
“The
three guarantors may have differing views but they all agree on one point and
that is that the process should move forward. They are aware that the
failure of the negotiations in Cyprus will not only have negative consequences
for Cyprus but for the region as well. They are openly expressing their support
to the process”, he said.
Underlining
the importance of the upcoming international conference, the UN Special
Advisor Espen Barth Eide said that setting a date for the 5-party conference had
played an important role in moving the process forward. “Had the two leaders
not set the date we would have endlessly moved around in circles. That is why
the leaders set the date for the conference”, he added.
Pointing
out that the issue of security and guarantees was important for both Turkish
Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, Eide said that both sides had historically rooted
concerns about the other side.
He
said that the settlement to be reached had to address these concerns and could
only be carried out in consultation with the guarantor
countries.
Stating
that the issue was a critical one and could result in the failure of the talks
even if agreement was reached on all other outstanding issues, Eide said that
this was something that they were trying to avoid.
The
UN Special Envoy said that he had urged all three guarantor countries to create
the ideal conditions and environment so that a settlement could be reached on
the island.
4.
Turkes alleges that Turkey is guarantor of the entire
Cyprus
Turkish
Cypriot illegal Bayrak television (08.12.16, online) broadcast
that Tugrul Turkes, Deputy Prime Minister Responsible for Cypriot Affairs,
has said that they support and appreciate Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci’s
“constructive efforts” for finding a solution to the Cyprus problem.
Addressing
the Turkish Grand National Assembly during the discussion of the budget of his
ministry, Turkes noted that “the governments of Turkey have supported the
Turkish Cypriots in the strongest way” since they were allegedly excluded from
the administration of Cyprus by the Greek Cypriots. “We are determined to
continue any kind of financial, economic and social aid to the TRNC regardless
of the ongoing negotiations on the island today”, he said adding that
Turkey’s support will continue in spite of the “isolation” and the “embargoes”
allegedly implemented on the Turkish Cypriots.
“As
motherland we provided to the TRNC support of around 10 billion Turkish liras
since 2002. The approximately 1,6 billion TL spent for the Water Supply Project
are not included to this”,
he said.
Referring
to the aid provided by Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus, Turkes said
that this aid reached its highest level in 2009 by increasing to 928 million TL
from 424 million TL in 2002. “Until now, 730 million TL was used from the
1,5 billion TL fund separated for 2016”, he said adding that when the
breakaway regime’s local income cannot cover its expenses, Turkey’s aid is used
for the “budget deficit”. He noted that the support for the “budget
deficit” was 621 million TL in 2009 and decreased to 220 million TL in
2015.
Turkes
pointed out that financial support is provided for the regime’s economic sector,
financing, infrastructure and real sector, and that 300 projects are being
carried out.
Referring
to the Cyprus talks, he alleged that “the intransigent stance of the Greek
Cypriot side” led to wasting another important chance in
Switzerland
in spite of the Turkish Cypriot side’s insistent wish for a solution and just
demands. He claimed: “We have given nothing to anyone. Turkey is guarantor of
the entire island, like Britain, not only the north. We are not guarantors only
of the Turkish Cypriots, we are guarantors of the entire island, the entire
population living on the island. This agreement has not changed”.
(I/Ts.)
5.
Negotiators discussed “foreign relations” at yesterday’s
meeting
Turkish
Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (08.12.16) reports that the negotiators of
the two sides in Cyprus met yesterday at the buffer zone and discussed the
chapter of “foreign relations”, as it had been agreed during their last
meeting.
Citing
information by the so-called presidency, the paper writes that the meeting was
finished at 13.00 and during the next meeting which will be held on Friday,
issues related to the chapters of EU and territory will be discussed.
According
to the paper, UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide
also participated in yesterday’s meeting.
(CS)
6.
Ozgurgun: “We are against territorial concessions”
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (08.12.16) reports that Huseyin
Ozgurgun, self-styled prime minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied
area of the Republic of Cyprus and chairman of the National Unity Party (UBP),
has opposed any territorial adjustment in the Cyprus negotiations. In
statements to a private television station, Ozgurgun said: “[…] No one can
give Morfou or the land of the TRNC. […] The National Unity Party will
not allow anyone to make territorial concessions in this country. […] I am
saying this clearly. […] When I see the issues on which the esteemed president
says ‘I agreed’, [it is understood that] the president of the federal state will
be a Greek Cypriot and at the same time he will be my president as well and will
be exercising many powers. The president says that ‘the Greek Cypriot side
should digest the Turkish Cypriot president [the rotating presidency]’. Did he
ask me if I have digested having a Greek Cypriot
president?”
(I/Ts.)
7.
Commentary: “If Karpasia is lost”
In
a commentary in Turkish daily Hurriyet newspaper (07.12.16) under the above
title, columnist Fikret Bila, writes: “The events in Syria have once again
demonstrated the strategic importance of Cyprus and especially of the Karpaz
region, [Translator’s note: occupied Karpasia region] which looks as
though it is pointing at the Iskenderun Bay. [Translator’s note:
Alexandretta Bay]
It
is not yet clear what the outcome will be of the imperialist Western states'
interferences that resulted in the de facto division of Iraq and
Syria.
It
was the peoples of Iraq and Syria that paid the price. The efforts of the United
States -- which does not conceal its goal of deriving ‘statelets’ from Syria, a
country that is de facto divided into three like Iraq -- to rearrange the region
have increased even more the strategic value of the TRNC [Turkish Republic of
Northern Cyprus] from Turkey's viewpoint.
Currently,
Turkey is waging a big struggle to prevent a PKK-PYD [Workers Party of
Kurdistan-Democratic Unity Party] corridor that will stretch from northern Syria
to the Mediterranean by also introducing the TSK [Turkish Armed Forces] into the
field.
Ankara
knows that once a PKK-PYD "statelet" that will stretch along its southern border
and reach the Mediterranean is established, the goal of shattering Turkey's
territorial integrity and breaking off the southeast Anatolia region will be
realized. Ankara is trying to eliminate this threat with its Euphrates Shield
before it grows.
It is clear that the United States is in favour of a Kurdish statelet under the
administration of the PKK-PYD in the east of the Euphrates, if not in the west,
for now.
We
can say that this project accords a new dimension to the Cyprus
issue.
Quietly
and Unobtrusively
At
a time when, in addition to influential countries like the United States,
Russia, Britain, France, Iran, and Turkey, 63 states of varying sizes are active
in the field in Syria and the chaotic situation in the region is occupying the
world's agenda, the Cyprus negotiations were also conducted quietly and
unobtrusively.
As the TRNC and the Greek Cypriot administration mutually announced that some
distance has been covered in the negotiations, we received news of a renewed
impasse. There is talk of a possible resumption of the negotiations in
January.
Ankara,
which is waging a struggle against both DAES [DA'ISH, Arabic acronym for the
self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant] and the PKK in Syria and
Iraq, has also been keeping an eye on the Cyprus
negotiations.
The
Importance of Karpaz
It
has become clear that the Greek Cypriot side wants the whole of Maras [Varosha]
and Guzelyurt [Morphou] as well as the rearrangement of Karpaz. The Greek
Cypriot administration, which aims at disintegrating the TRNC, is insistent
especially on Karpaz.
There
is no need to explain the strategic importance of the TRNC territory, especially
of Karpaz, for the energy and trade routes in the eastern Mediterranean.
Naturally, this is also true in terms of the natural gas fields in the eastern
Mediterranean.
For
Turkey, not conceding Karpaz to the Greek Cypriot administration is at least as
important as preventing the establishment of a corridor on its southern
border.
A
Cyprus from which the Turkish troops have withdrawn and in which Karpaz has been
ceded to Greek Cypriot sovereignty would constitute a situation greatly opposed
to Ankara's national interests in the eastern Mediterranean, also given the
possible fragmentation in Syria.
The
reason is the EU
The
reason for the lack of solution in the Cyprus issue, which has turned into an
endless problem, is the EU's partial and erroneous
policy.
It
is the EU that linked Turkey's EU accession to Cyprus. Let alone Turkey's
membership, the EU has set the solution of the Cyprus issue as a precondition
for Turkey's becoming a ‘candidate for accession’. Not only that, but the EU
also announced that it will admit the Greek Cypriot sector as a full member even
if it said "no" to the Annan Plan and even sabotaged
it.
Although
the Turkish Cypriots said yes while the Greek Cypriots said no to the Annan
Plan, the EU accepted the Greek Cypriot administration as a full member
representing the entire island. As of that point, the EU "solved" the Cyprus
problem from the viewpoint of Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration, and
punished the TRNC.
What
they term the new solution now is the insistence on a model that will ensure
that the Turkish Cypriots fall under a Greek Cypriot administration in the
future and become disintegrated over time.
The
Greek Cypriot side, which wants ‘the Turkish troops to go’, does not even
mention the British bases. Even if Turkey and the TRNC accept these demands,
there is not even the slightest green light with regard to Turkey's EU
accession. It is an empty dream to expect Ankara to say "yes" to these plans at
a time when it is clear that the solution of the Cyprus problem along the lines
of the Greek Cypriots' wishes coupled with Syria's fragmentation will greatly
weaken Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean.
The
fact that the Cyprus issue has become a part of the Syrian problem should also
not be forgotten in the process ahead”.
8.
Ozgurgun: “Why should we adopt the time of the EU or the archbishop?”;
Denktas: Turkey did not demand the continuation of summer time
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (08.12.16) reports that Huseyin
Ozgurgun, self-styled prime minister of the breakaway regime in the occupied
area of the Republic of Cyprus and chairman of the National Unity Party (UBP),
has reiterated that they will not implement winter time. In statements to
a private television station, Ozgurgun said that “on the issue of taking time
forward or backwards we act jointly with the motherland”. “Why should we adopt
the time of the EU or the archbishop? This cannot happen”, he added.
Referring
to Turkish Cypriot leader Akinci’s statement that it would be wise to implement
winter time, Ozgurgun argued that during the meeting of the “council of
ministers” held in Akinci’s presence, the Turkish Cypriot leader told them that
he understood them and that they were right, when they explained to him the
reasons of their decision to continue implanting summer time. Claiming that
as “government”, they are trying to cooperate in harmony with Akinci, Ozgurgun
expressed the view that it would be better if Akinci said nothing after the
meeting of the “council of ministers”. He said that the fact that Akinci
issued a statement caused problems and that he should evaluate things more
carefully.
Meanwhile,
Turkish Cypriot daily Afrika newspaper (08.12.16) reports that Serdar
Denktas, self-styled deputy prime minister of the breakaway regime, has argued
that they have taken their decision on the time issue taking into consideration
the negative consequences on the relations with Turkey in transport, aviation
and the banking system. He noted that no one said anything different when the
“government” had announced this decision. Denktas claimed that they received
no demand from Turkey [on the issue of continuing to implement summer time] and
that the decision was taken by the “government”.
(I/Ts.)
9.
Reactions by the business community and politicians in the breakaway regime
to keep summer time continue
Turkish
Cypriot daily Halkin Sesi newspaper (08.12.16) reports that the “business
community” in the occupied area of Cyprus made statements in favor of applying
winter time in the breakaway regime.
Strong
objections to the not adoption of winter time in the breakaway regime, as well
as worries about the consequences faced by the Turkish Cypriot community, were
expressed in a common statement issued yesterday by the “Turkish Cypriot Chamber
of Commerce, the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of craftsmen and artisans, the Union of
Constructors and the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Industry”.
The
statement notes that the issue is not political but “a scientific and social
need and reality”. The organizations also suggested measures that could make the
economic and social life of the people living in the breakaway regime easier and
expressed their readiness to provide support in solving the traffic accidents
problem.
In
addition, Turkish Cypriot daily Ortam (08.12.16) writes that Huseyin Angolemli,
“deputy” with the Socialist Democracy Party (SDP) commented on the decision
taken by Turkey not to apply winter time and said: “Turkey turned its face
towards Saudi Arabia and Qatar, it adjusts its time according to their time but
our position is in the West”. He added that in civilized countries a government
which made a big mistake would resign and criticized the “government” in the
breakaway regime for not doing so despite the demonstrations organized against
it and the reactions.
(CS)
10.
Denktas: The debt exceeded 16 billion TL
Turkish
Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (08.12.16) reports that Serdar
Denktas, self-styled deputy prime minister and “minister” of finance of the
breakaway regime, has said that the “TRNC’s” external and internal debt
exceeded 16 billion Turkish liras (TL). Speaking at the “assembly” yesterday
during the discussion of the “budget” for 2017, Denktas described the debt as
a “bleeding wound” for the regime, adding that as of the end of 2015, it reached
16,050 billion TL, of which 5,515 billion are internal and 10,899 external
debt. Denktas said that this number is equal to 157% of the regime’s
GDP and that this situation affects the economy. “Therefore, controlling
and decreasing public debt must be our first priority”, he added.
Denktas
noted that it is estimated that the regime’s economic growth will be 2,4% in
2016, 5% in 2017 and 2018 and 5,5% in 2019, adding that the average growth
for 2017-19 period is estimated 5,2%.
According
to Denktas, the GDP had been 8,858.6 million TL with current prices in 2014,
10,222.5 million TL in 2015 and 11,302.8 million TL in 2016. It is estimated
that in 2017 it will be 12,610.7 million TL, in 2018 13,941.4 million TL and in
2019 15,396.3 million TL.
(I/Ts.)
11.
Ankara summons German ambassador over ‘misbehaviour’ against Turkish Deputy
Parliament Speaker
According
to Turkish daily Hurriyet Daily News newspaper (online, 08.12.16), the
Turkish Foreign Ministry summoned German Ambassador to Turkey Martin Erdmann on
Dec. 7 to convey Ankara’s reaction after airport police in Cologne temporarily
held Turkish Parliament Deputy Speaker Ayşenur Bahçekapılı due to a problem with
her passport, diplomatic sources have told the Hürriyet Daily News.
President
Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed Germany after the incident. “You take and host
terrorists but you make the deputy parliamentary speaker of this country wait
for hours at the airport. Shouldn’t we do the same to them? And then they call
Erdogan a dictator!” he said in an address to local neighbourhood heads on
Dec. 7.
Erdogan
also threatened Berlin with “retaliation” if the officers involved are not
probed. “Turkey
will have to retaliate in kind if the necessary actions are not taken against
the officers involved,” he added, noting that “many terrorists freely roam
around Europe” despite the fact that Turkey has demanded their deportation.
The
incident he was referring to took place at Cologne Airport as Bahçekapılı and
others were returning to Turkey on Dec 5. After her bag and diplomatic passport
were stolen in Cologne, Bahçekapılı obtained a temporary passport from the
Turkish Consulate, but the police did not allow her to travel with that document
and held her in custody at the airport police station.
“They
did not accept the temporary passport. Although I told them that I am Deputy
Parliamentary Speaker and an MP, they said ‘It’s not our concern.’ Then they
took me and my sister to the police station at the airport. They kept us there
for 45 minutes although we told them that our plane was about to take off,”
Bahçekapılı told daily Hürriyet after the incident.
“I
was bursting with anger. ‘Is this your EU? We don’t want such an EU,’ I shouted.
Police threatened us to keep quiet. Only then could we board the plane”, she
added.
The
Turkish Parliament has also condemned the German police in a statement issued
with the participation of all parties.
“This
behaviour against the deputy speaker of Turkish Grand National Assembly is
unacceptable,” read the statement issued on Dec. 7.
12.
Demirtas is being overtly tortured in prison: HDP
lawmaker
Turkish
daily Hurriyet Daily News newspaper (online, 07.12.16) with the above title
reports that the co-chair of the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP)
is being overtly subjected to torture in prison, a HDP lawmaker has said,
commenting on the imprisonment of HDP co-leader Selahattin Demirtas.
“Isolation
is a form of torture and our lawmakers and co-chairs are being overtly subjected
to torture,” HDP Deputy Meral Danış Beştaş said before visiting Demirtaş in the
prison in the northwestern province of Edirne, adding that “lawlessness is being
implemented”. “There is isolation, restrictions and lawlessness in every
sense”, she said.
Nine
lawmakers from the HDP, as well its co-chairs, Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag,
were arrested on Nov. 4 in a probe that was launched against 14 of the party’s
lawmakers over alleged links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party
(PKK).
Saying
that Turkey should rectify its mistake, Beştaş noted that “no good can come to
Turkey with it.”
“The
fact that the co-chair of Turkey’s third biggest party is kept under torture and
restrictions doesn’t do anything to benefit Turkey, and Turkey needs to rectify
its mistake as soon as possible,” she said.
After
being imprisoned, Demirtaş requested to serve his prison sentence in the same
cell as one of the party’s lawmakers from the eastern province of Hakkari,
Abdullah Zeydan, who was arrested on Nov. 6 and brought to the same prison in
Edirne. Demirtaş’s request was rejected.
“We
are here today for Demirtaş’s prison conditions. Unfortunately, he is still
being kept in isolation. Despite the fact that Zeydan is also serving here,
Demirtaş’s and his requests to stay together were rejected,” she said. Beştaş
also said the prison staff were restricting the number of letters that Demirtaş
can write.
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