Turkey releases Kurdish writer after 30 years in prison

ISTANBUL, Turkey - A Kurdish poet was released from jail on Tuesday after spending 30 years behind bars for alleged ties with Kurdish rebels. 

İlhan Sami Comak was arrested in 1994 at the age of 21 while studying Geography at the University of Istanbul. The young man was accused by Turkish authorities of being linked to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). He had been jailed at Marmara Prison ever since. 

Numerous Kurds faced similar sentences and charges at the time, with many of them being released in recent months.

Upon his release, Comak was greeted by family members and close relatives outside Marmara Prison in Istanbul.

“I'm incredibly happy. It took so long. It was a profound injustice against me. But I am thrilled to be reunited with my family and loved ones. I want to emphasize one thing,  just like me, there are many others unjustly incarcerated. I hope they will be released soon,” Comak told reporters. 

His brother, Nazim, told Rudaw that they had been waiting for Comak’s freedom for 30 years, three months and three days in jail. 

Initially sentenced to death, Comak’s sentence was commuted to life imprisonment after Turkey abolished the death penalty in 2004, following widespread international criticism.

"I hope for the release of all of those who are still imprisoned. I adore them. It's a tough situation. I hope they will be freed, too. It's tough for us and for them as well." his elderly mother Zeytun Comak said. 

Thousands of people, including politicians, journalists, activists, academics, and members of opposition groups are currently serving in Turkish prisons, according to human rights organizations.

A vast number of them are Kurds, mainly supporters, members and officials of pro-Kurdish parties.