The German-Turk Adil Demirci in April in Turkish custody. The accusation: membership in a terrorist Association and terrorist propaganda. How is he in the prison, he explains in a DW Interview.
In April, the 33-year-old Cologne-based German Turk Adil Demirci has traveled to Turkey, holiday in Istanbul. Before his return he was arrested. The accusation: The social worker and the Journalist of the news Agency ETHA to be a member of a terrorist organisation and terrorist propaganda have spread.
On the first Day of the trial (20.11.2018) refused the court ordered the release of Turkey accused journalists. 14. February 2019 to continue the procedure. Demirci, who is seated in a high-security prison in the Istanbul suburb of Silivri, has answered through his lawyers, the questions of the Deutsche Welle.
Deutsche Welle: you are since April in prison. How’s you health?
Adil Demirci: The conditions of detention are harsh. The radius of movement is quite limited. I don’t feel so good. However, I have no problems that are affecting my health. But in the case of long-term inmates, I noticed that a permanent damage.
How looks your day in prison?
Demirci: The prison complex in Silivri from ten prisons. Most of them are divided into cells. I was in a Three man cell with two young detainees. Now we are the second in a week. We have not had any contact with the other prisoners. Once a week we will have the opportunity to make together with the other three hours of Sport. This is always our happiest day. Because it is important to see other faces, to talk with others, even if it is very short.
Our day in prison starts at 7 PM. At 8:15 PM we go out on the open yard, where we have five, six steps can make. You only see the sky. Between 10 and 12 o’clock we make sports. After dinner, I read most of the time, writing in my diary. But we don’t get as many books as we want. A maximum of ten are allowed.
Adil Demircis diary in prison
How is your cell?
Adil Demirci: it consists of two floors, as a kind of duplex. Above the beds and in the bottom of the toilet and the living room. As I mentioned already, we have a yard made of concrete.
What do you miss most in prison?
Of course, my freedom I’m missing. To stay between four walls in such a narrow space, is pretty hard. If you do experience this, it is estimated the value of freedom even more. What I really miss is my mother. It hits me emotionally very strongly. She was sick when we came together to Istanbul. To be able to on days like this to not be with her, makes me very sad. I also miss my father, my brother, my friends and colleagues. Longing is something mournful, yet, it is a nice feeling, because it reminds me that I am a human being. Because it reminds me of the spirituality.
Their arrest, a large resonance in Germany. How much you learn from reporting about themselves, or of the solidarity campaign, your friends?
With a little delay I get from the various events in Germany. My lawyers and my family let me know. And sometimes I question the staff of the Consulate General, visit me.
The public Prosecutor’s office accuses them of membership in a terrorist organization and spreading terrorist propaganda, as they have participated in funerals of suspected members of the MLKP (Marxist-Leninist Communist party) and at commemorative events. What do you say to these allegations?
Adil Demirci’s diary in prison
Demirci: In files, not a single proof that would justify my detention. The decision that I have to stay in custody, is based entirely on bias and arbitrariness. In the case of police investigations, not a single document or evidence was found piece that could be used against me. The Only thing the allegations are based, are the funerals I’ve attended.
In the court case, many of my friends have come free. My release but was refused. The funerals were in the year 2014 and 2015. Attending a funeral is legally not a Crime. This is a human right in the context of the freedom of conscience. After 2014, I was frequently in Turkey. If I had committed a crime, I would not have come forth. I was very surprised, as against me, investigations have been initiated. This happened only on the basis of circumstantial evidence, of which I knew nothing.
They believe in a fair process? Do you trust the Turkish judiciary?
To answer these questions, holds for me a certain degree of risk. I’m not a lawyer, but I would like to emphasize: to Be implemented the judgments of the European court of human rights (ECtHR) in Turkey? The Demirtas-judgment is not implemented (The ECtHR ruled that the detention of Kurdish opposition leader was an “unlawful interference in the free expression of the people” and called for his immediate release. Note. d. Red.). Now the question should be: “Is Turkey a fair trial possible?” My name is Adil (Turkish for “fair/fair”, Anm. d. Red.), but I can say that my process is fair. In the case of a fair decision, I should not be today, not in prison.
The Consulate General in Istanbul and the Foreign office pay sufficient attention to you?
In this regard, I would like to thank the German authorities, in particular at the German Consulate General in Istanbul. I have also heard from the diplomatic efforts of the foreign office. Of course, I am happy as a German citizen. But I am Convinced that the Foreign office should lay for me and other German citizens who are in a similar Situation, greater understanding, and more commitment at the diplomatic level.
What message do you have for Germany?
I would like to thank everyone that cared to date me, and for my freedom. I wish everyone in Germany a merry Christmas.
The Interview was conducted by Hülya Topcu
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