Gülmen, Özakça on 100th day of Hunger Strike Cannot See Their Own Doctors

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Academic Nuriye Gülmen and teacher Semih Özakça who were discharged from their positions through a statutory decree issued under the State of Emergency are on the 100th day of their hunger strike as of today (June 16) and have spent 25 days behind bars since they were arrested.

Until the 75th day of the hunger strike, doctors from Ankara Chamber of Medicine had been carrying out the medical examinations of Gülmen and Özakça. They wanted to see the same doctors after they were arrested as well. Yet the application made by Ankara Chamber of Medicine concerning Gülmen and Özakça's request was rejected twice by the Ministry of Justice.

Ankara Chamber of Medicine Executive Board member Dr. Benan Koyuncu explained they were obtaining information regarding the medical condition of Gülmen and Özakça from their families, attorneys and the letters they have been sending.

Noting every person held the right to choose a medical doctor, Koyuncu pointed out that their application was rejected nevertheless.
Koyuncu added that there was a risk of sudden death also on the 50th day of the hunger strike and added that they as medical doctors were concerned about the health situation of Gülmen and Özakça.

Pointing out that the dismissals caused serious psychological trauma both for the ones who were discharged from their positions and for others, Koyuncu said "We demand that this process be put an end as soon as possible for sake of the society's health". (BK/DG)