Watch Begins for Vegan Convict Evcan in Silivri

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Right defenders will keep watch in front of Silivri Prison for vegan convict, Osman Evcan.

The watch that will start today will continue every day at 6 p.m. until Evcan who has been on hunger strike for 35 days will be granted right to vegan nutrition.

Vegan Aksiyon (Vegan Action) making call for the watch said, “We hail the resistance of our friend who wants to sustain his life without abusing animals and defying any dictated prescripts. Eating is a political choice as much as a basic necessity. We call all of you to not compromise against these power uncompromising institutions which are closed to preferences and individualism”.

Evcan had resisted, regulations had changed

After being sentenced to life imprisonment in 1992, Evcan had gained the right to vegan-vegetarian nutrition for all vegan-vegetarian imprisoners in the wake of his 43-day hunger strike in 2011.

On March 28, 2012 “Amendment Regulations on Food Law Regulation for Convicted, Imprisoned and Penal Institution Employees” had been published on official journal. Thus the paragraph in the earlier regulation implying “sick convicted and imprisoned receive nutrition determined by the institution’s doctor” was changed as “sick convicted and imprisoned receive nutrition determined by dietitians or doctors. Demands of convicted with special dietary habits due to their religion or vegan and vegetarian dietary habits are met under the condition of being limited to the amount of nutrition”.

Evcan had carried his battle to the next level in his 33-day hunger strike and gained the right as he demanded in addition to preparing vegan-vegetarian meals with fresh and seasonal vegetables, that also obstacles before importing vegan food should be removed.

Evcan, imprisoned in Kandıra No 1 F-type Prison has been on hunger strike since November 10 against the arbitrary restraint of his acquired rights. (ÇT/TK)