Yusuf Karataş, who was arrested in Patnos district of Agirî (Ağrı) in 1993, on political grounds, released after 31 years from Batman Beşiri Type T Prison. Karataş was released yesterday evening, and greeted by his family and the executives of the Association for Assistance and Solidarity with the Families of Prisoners and Convicts (TUAY-DER) Êlih (Batman) Branch in front of the prison. Karataş then traveled with his family to Patnos district. 

 

WHO IS YUSUF KARATAŞ? 

 

In 1993, Karataş was detained Patnos district of Agirî and was subjected severe torture for 11 days. Karataş was sentenced life imprisonment for “distrupt to unity and territorial integrity of the state” at the Erzincan State Security Court (DGM). Karataş completed the execuiton of his sentence on 23 October, 2023. However, Karataş did not accept “imposition of remorse” and his release was prevented twice for 6 months each by the Prison Administrative and Observation Board (İGK). During his 31 years of imprisonment, Karataş was imprisoned in many prisons against his will.