Batman Deputy Mayor Gulistan Akel called for help for the 20 children, who have been released in Batman following the amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Law.

Akel said both the children, and their families are in need of psychological support.

Two children released in Malatya and Diyarbakir

Arif Akkaya, the Diyarbakir Spokesperson of the Followers of Justice for Children, stated that F.O. at the Malatya Prison and another child at the Diyarbakir D-Type prison have been released .

Akkaya added that U.K. (16) at the Bitlis Prison, called his family and said that prison conditions are worsening as their number is decreasing.

According to Akkaya, U.K. told his family that they are staying in a 14-person ward next to the coal bunker. U.K. stated that he has difficulty breathing as he has asthma and asked for help.

Followers of Justice for Children (CIAT), Diyarbakir Bar Association and the Diyarbakir Representation of Turkish Human Rights Foundation (TIHV) decided to cooperate to support the children.

Akel: We first try to build trust

Akel stated that the released children and their families are happy and worried all at the same time. He told bianet that they would first have the children screened for health and then investigate their legal situations:

"There are children with health problems. They have concerns regarding school. Mutual trust should be built for a long-term treatment process. We will organise short psycho-drama workshops. We will continue our efforts in cooperation."

Ipekyuz: The society also needs to be rehabilitated

Necdet Ipekyuz from TIHV Diyarbakir Representation stated that the children should first be treated for disturbances stemming from prison conditions.

Ipekyuz summarised the process awaiting children:

"The released children are first met with interest and longing. As visits become more seldom, they start having recurring memories about prison. They become distressed and estranged, have difficulty sleeping and have nightmares.

They don't want to go back to school. They have to be supported so that they can adapt to schoold again and be successful. The society treats these children as either heroes or terrorists. However, they are just kids. The society needs to be rehabilitated as well.

Vocational courses or workshops could be organised for those children, who drop out of school.

The families also have anxiety problems and become over-protective towards their children. They also need to be supported. " (BB)