Film Event: MorgX was screened in Hamburg

MORG X SCREENING IN HAMBURG

A member of Luudjd Lud said in the introduction speech, “Since the 1990s, there have been resistances and hunger strikes in prisons in Turkey.” He noted that especially when the F-Type prisons opened in 2000, the Left in Germany provided significant support to the resistance in Turkey. However, he emphasized that the resistance continues even now. Following this, a representative from Anti Imperialist Front took the floor. 

It was mentioned that the footage shown was related to the pit Type prisons in Turkey. It was explained that S, R, and Y Types were imported from the USA and that similar prisons exist throughout Europe and even around the world. However, there is no resistance against them in other places. The prisoners in Turkey resist at the cost of their lives. And because they resist, they deserve to be supported. It was emphasized that the main concern of the power in Turkey is to seize the minds of revolutionaries, break their will, and force to surrender. The prisoners are perceived as enemies simply because they are revolutionaries.

It was stated that the Pit Types are primarily places where prisoners serving aggravated life sentences are held. It was emphasized that there is no acceptable aspect to this and that life imprisonment should be addressed on its own. However, it was highlighted that currently, not only those who have received life sentences but even those who have not yet been sentenced are placed in these facilities.

It is stated that many people ask questions like, “Why are you going on a hunger strike? You are harming yourselves. As if the state cares.” Yes, the state cares. Because the hunger strike is not for Turkish fascism, it is for YOU, for the sensitive people. It is done to mobilize public opinion. Moreover, under the conditions they are in, what other options do they have but to go on a hunger strike? Yes, they are resisting at the cost of their lives. But is living in such conditions really life? Staying there is also death. It is merely a prolonged death.

After the introductory speech, a 37-minute screening of Morg X was held.

After the screening, photos of the 9 prisoners on indefinite hunger strike were shown. 

It was stated that the current demands are to be “returned to F Type prisons.” 

Because although there is architectural isolation in F Types, the isolation has been rendered ineffective by the gains of the Great Resistance. 

It was also noted that, architecturally, since the ventilation is adjacent to the cell, the prisoners at least have access to sunlight and air.

It was mentioned that Sercan Ahmet Arslan has been on a hunger strike for 223 days, but in fact, his demands have been met, and he is currently in an F Type prison. It was added,  that he continues the hungerstrike now in support of Ufuk Keskin, who is suffering from severe diabetes. He wants to avoid that Ufuk is kept in isolation and that he’s taken to a place with others.

After watching the Morg X documentary, the question was asked, “Is there medical treatment being provided?” It was emphasized that the administration sends a doctor every day out of fear that something might happen to the resisters, but the prisoners on hunger strike do not accept any treatment. However, it was noted that seriously ill prisoners, like Ufuk Keskin, who need to be under medical supervision, are not receiving treatment. For instance, it was mentioned that sometimes they do not even provide the insulin injection that is vital for him.

A question was raised, “What can be done against Turkey’s arbitrariness?” It was expressed that they are doing whatever they want right now. They are appointing trustees and detaining mayors. It seems that it is impossible to stop them. The representative of AİF stated that the indefinite hunger strikes should not bring despair but hope. Because it shows that resistance is possible under any circumstances. Hunger strikes are a strength within weakness. And it should not be forgotten that “those who fight can win. Those who do not fight have already lost.” 

The person who asked this said after the event that this screening gave him hope and increased his motivation.