The HDP (Peoples’ Democratic Party) representative office in Hewler (Erbil) made a statement denouncing the aggravated isolation imposed on Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan on the Turkish prison island of Imrali.

The press statement was read out by HDP member Agir Güneş, who defined the isolation of Öcalan as unacceptable. He noted that the Kurdish leader has not been heard from for 29 months, while his lawyers and family members are constantly denied visits to the island.

Güneş pointed out that, in parallel with the incommunicado detention of Öcalan because of his ideas and his struggle for the freedom of the Kurdish people, the Turkish state continues its genocidal attacks against the Kurds.

“Human rights organizations and the CPT (Committee for the Prevention of Torture) should finally stop the isolation of Öcalan and provide the public with information about his wellbeing. They should not remain silent in such a fragile process. Leader Öcalan is our red line and cannot be subject to isolation,” he stated.

Güneş called on human rights organizations to fulfil their duties and responsibilities and to end the isolation of Öcalan, saying: “Take a stand and do not remain silent because this isolation is against humanity and the rights of Öcalan himself.”