Sulaymaniyah prisoners end hunger strike with demands met

SULAYMANIYAH — A hunger strike at the Women and Children’s Reform Center in Sulaymaniyah has concluded after the administration agreed to meet the demands of the inmates. The strike, which began on Wednesday, was initiated by prisoners seeking improvements in their living and rights conditions within the facility.

Fuad Jaza, director of the Women and Children’s Reform Center, confirmed the resolution of the strike. “They had several demands, and we have fulfilled them,” Jaza told 964media on Thursday. “Their requests were for some of their daily needs. Today, I personally met with them, and the matter has been resolved.”

Demands from the inmates included increased phone call durations, extended visiting hours, and better conditions during outdoor time, particularly to enhance interactions among women, adults, and children.

An source within the reform center detailed the events leading to the cessation of the hunger strike. “The prisoners were under pressure due to severe restrictions imposed on them,” the source said. “They refused to accept these conditions, and as a result, the administration had no choice but to address their concerns.”

The source further explained that the inmates had protested against the center’s strict measures, especially those limiting contact with the outside world and among inmates themselves. “The administration finally listened and acted on their requests,” the source added.

“There has been no hunger strike in the center,” asserted Jaza. “The prisoners only had some requests, which we fulfilled as much as possible. For the issues outside our control, we communicated with them to find solutions.”

The Women and Children’s Reform Center accommodates approximately 80 inmates.