Mehmet Şirin Tekmenüray, who was held in Kocaeli Kandıra Prison, was released after 32 years. Tekmenüray was welcomed by his family, Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party Antalya provincial executives, Marmara Association for Assistance and Solidarity with Families of Prisoners and Convicts (MATUHAYDER) co-chairs Nurten Karagöz and Mehmet Zeki Kılıç and association executives. 

 

Tekmenüray was welcomed with the slogan "Bijî berxwedana zindanan (Long live resistance of dungeons)" and flew a white dove, the symbol of peace, in front of the prison.

 

Speaking here, Tekmenüray reminded that 15 May is the Kurdish Language Day and said that the language day is an ancient day for the Kurdish people. He added: "It is very meaningful for me to come out on such a meaningful day. Our struggle continues. There will be no freedom for us until our leader is free. I am out, but thousands of our friends are still in prison. After today, I will do everything I can until our friends and our people are free. I will try to be worthy of those who were martyred in this struggle and I will continue the struggle."

 

Tekmenüray was then sent off to Antalya with his family.