VAN – Speaking about their expectations from the current process, citizens criticized the new judicial reform package, stating that the continued imprisonment of political prisoners increases distrust toward the state.
The people of Van fully support the “Call for Peace and Democratic Society” made by Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan on February 27 and the disarmament decision taken at the PKK’s 12th Congress. Citizens who shared their views emphasized that concrete steps must be taken for the call and the congress resolutions to have an impact.
'END DISCRIMINATION'
Mehmet Araf Yardımcı, who voiced his support for the new process, said they want a democratic solution. Yardımcı stated, “If there is going to be a democratic solution and peace, we will all support it. We will stand behind the continuation of this process.”
Criticizing the 10th Judicial Reform Package, Yardımcı said, “This new package has not contributed to the peace process. Political prisoners should have been the main beneficiaries. The PKK has laid down arms, this is a significant decision for all of Turkey. We want a democratic constitution that includes all peoples.”
Stating that confidence-building steps are necessary for the process to move forward, Muhammed Tekbaş said the first step should be the release of political and sick prisoners. Highlighting the regional disparities, Tekbaş said, “All job opportunities are currently in the west. No investments are made in our cities, no employment opportunities are provided. If peace is achieved, this situation would also improve. We want peace so that everyone can live in comfort and happiness.”
'THE STATE MUST TAKE STEPS'
“We want peace and tranquility,” said Hayrettin Atrak. “We are uneasy, and we are tired of this unrest. We support the process and want peace. For that, the state needs to take steps.”
Türkan Eraslan added, “We are waiting for the state to act. We are not on the side of war; we are on the side of peace. We want both sides to live equally. The continued imprisonment of political prisoners creates distrust toward the process. While other convicts were released, politicians are still inside. Unless we see a step being taken, our pessimism will continue.”
'PRISONERS MUST BE RELEASED'
Özlem Özyer emphasized that the process is crucial for Turkey’s democratization and criticized the 10th Judicial Reform Package. She said, “My uncle received a 30-year sentence, and my aunt’s son got a life sentence. While those who commit criminal offenses are given 3-4 years, we, simply for being Kurdish and being politically active, are given harsh sentences. They say there is no Kurdish-Turkish discrimination, but it is mostly political prisoners who remain in prison. The new judicial package is not just. One of the necessary steps for the peace process is the release of prisoners.”
Expressing their demand for peace, Salih Demir said, “If there is to be peace, all political prisoners must be released. Political prisoners should have benefited from the new judicial package, but they did not. We want the state to act on this.”
Nejdat Sancak said: “No more blood should be spilled. If we talk of brotherhood, then let’s not deceive one another during this process. Both sides must act with self-sacrifice. The Kurdish people are doing their part.”