Prosecutor seeks arrest of two Turkish hunger-striking educators

A prosecutor has sought the arrest of two educators, Nuriye Gülmen and Semih Özakça, who have been on hunger strike for over 75 days in protest at being dismissed from their posts through state of emergency decrees. 

Özakça and Gülmen were referred to court with the arrest demands on May 23, a day after both were detained from their homes in the capital Ankara.

Police escorted supporters of the educators who arrived at the courthouse outside, citing the prosecutor's request. 

Asked about what the educators were asked during their interrogations, lawyer Zehra Özdemir said Özakça was asked what the motive behind his hunger strike was and about his social media posts. 

"The prosecutor's office asked Özakça, 'What kind of a benefit was presented to you in order for you to launch a death fast?' In return, Semih said, 'I'm not on a death fast, but I'm on a hunger strike. What kind of interest could I have?'" Özdemir told news portal Bianet. 

Lawyer Selçuk Kozağaçlı said they were asked more about the "actual motive" behind their hunger strike.

"What is the purpose of you engaging in acts that are far from demanding rights, but instead are inciting hatred and enmity among people?" the educators were reportedly asked. 

Moreover, Özakça and Gülmen were also reportedly asked whether they wanted to start mass protests similar to the Gezi Park protests of 2013. 

While waiting for the court's decision after testifying, Özakça said they "can't get the right to ask for a job from them."

"These pressures, threats of arrests and arrests are their desperation. We will preserve our hope and will continue our struggle until victory," Özakça said. 

Gülmen, meanwhile, said they can be arrested even...