HÜDA PAR Mersin Deputy Faruk Dinç has called on the Turkish government to take immediate diplomatic action to secure the release of Dr. Mohamed Elbeltagy, a former Egyptian MP and prominent human rights defender, whose health is reportedly deteriorating in an Egyptian prison under the country’s military regime.

Speaking at a press conference in the Turkish Grand National Assembly on Tuesday, Dinç was joined by Elbeltagy’s wife and son. He appealed to both Ankara and the international community to intervene in what he described as a grave violation of human rights.

Dinç highlighted Elbeltagy’s prominence as a leader during the 2013 Rabia Square protests in Egypt, where his daughter, Esma, was killed. He also noted that Elbeltagy’s son, Anas, a former university student, is currently detained in Egypt’s Bedir Prison, reportedly targeted due to his father’s activism. Elbeltagy, an academic, parliamentarian, and participant in the 2010 Mavi Marmara humanitarian mission to Gaza, has been held in solitary confinement for 12 years, denied family visits, legal counsel, and medical care. Dinç reported that Biltaci has suffered two strokes without hospital treatment, warning that his health is in critical condition.

Condemning the treatment of Biltaci and other political prisoners, Dinç compared conditions in Bedir Prison to Syria’s notorious Sednaya Prison. He noted that some prisoners have resorted to hunger strikes, facing threats of execution in retaliation. “This oppression is happening in plain sight. Their only crime is being chosen as leaders by the people,” Dinç said, urging international human rights organizations, governments, and the United Nations to act swiftly.

Dinç drew parallels with human rights abuses in Gaza and Syria, calling on Türkiye to lead diplomatic efforts for Biltaci’s release. “We invite all people of conscience and media to join our call. Türkiye must not remain silent,” he said, demanding the immediate release of Elbeltagy and other political prisoners. (ILKHA)