Former CHP MP Erdem Being Investigated by Silivri Prison for Hunger Strike

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İstanbul Silivri Prison administration has launched an investigation against former Republican People's Party (CHP) MP Eren Erdem because of the hunger strike he has begun.

Barış Yarkadaş, another former CHP MP, has announced the investigation on his Twitter account:

"Silivri Prison has launched an investigation against Eren Erdem because he is conducting a 'hunger strike.' The notification sent by the prison to Erdem says 'He might be barred from attending the events for 1 to 3 months. Injustice is not a crime, leaving your body hungry is!"

Erdem announced on January 28 that he will begin a hunger strike, saying, "It is hurting my pride to be tried for the FETÖ (Fethullahist Terrorist Organization, which is held responsible the coup attempt in July 2016)" and began his strike on the following day.

CLICK - Former CHP MP Eren Erdem to Begin Hunher Strike

CHP MP Tanrıkulu: He is taking only water with lemon juice and salt

CHP MP Sezgin Tanrıkulu visited Erdem in the Silivri Prison yesterday (January 31) and said that Erdem is taking only water with lemon juice and a little bit of salt.

Tanrıkulu said that Erdem's medical condition is good "for now."

The main opposition MP pointed out that although Erdem has been in isolation for almost 220 days and the court ruled for his release, he is still in prison as a result of the objection by the Prosecutor's Office.

What happened?

A lawsuit has been filed against Eren Erdem because of the works that he did as the Editor-in-Chief of the Karşı newspaper.

Erdem faces 9.5 to 12 years in prison for the offenses of "Intentionally and willingly helping the armed terrorist organization while not being included in its hierarchical structure", "disclosing an anonymous witness," and "violating the privacy of the investigation."

After the indictment was accepted by the court, Eren Erdem went to İstanbul Atatürk Airport on May 21, 2018 but was not able to depart because of the international travel ban imposed on him.

Erdem was arrested on June 29, 2018 and is still held in the Silivri Prison.

The case continued at the İstanbul 23rd Heavy Penal Court on January 7, 2019. The İstanbul 23rd Heavy Penal Court gave a verdict of release for Erdem on January 7, 2019; however, upon the objection of the İstanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, the upper court, the İstanbul 24th Heavy Penal Court issued an arrest warrant for him.

Not being released from prison despite the verdict of release, Eren Erdem was arrested again by the İstanbul 24th Heavy Penal Court on January 8, 2019.

(EKN/VK)