Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan has been held in severe isolation conditions in Imrali F Type High Security Prison since 25 March 2021. The family and lawyers' requests for visits are rejected on the basis of so-called discipline punishments that have been systematized. The lack of news from Abdullah Öcalan worries the Kurdish people and their friends, as well as everyone who defends democracy.

Human Rights Association (IHD) Honorary Board member Şevket Akdemir said that such an isolation practice is not seen in either Turkish or world laws. Akdemir added that Abdullah Öcalan should benefit from the rights enjoyed by all prisoners in Turkey. "Like everyone else, he has the right to make phone calls once a week, open visits and regular visits. This right is expressly given by Turkish law. The isolation imposed on Abdullah Öcalan is therefore against both the law and the Constitution."

'Abdullah Öcalan's ideas are clear'

The isolation imposed on Abdullah Öcalan is reflected in other prisons, Akdemir said, adding that the war has been going on in Turkey for nearly 40 years and that the Kurdish leader has said many times that he would be able to contribute to solving Turkey’s problems. "As a result of the continuation of this war, the economy has collapsed. No one can calculate where the Turkish economy is heading today. I think that political parties and everyone who loves their country should fight for the end of isolation and the opening of peace channels."

Akdemir continued: "If the isolation on Abdullah Öcalan is lifted and the Kurdish problem is resolved, Turkey's path will be cleared and Turkey will be among the rich countries of the Middle East. With the abolition of isolation, the economic crisis and the cost of living will disappear, and high inflation will disappear. The main source of all these problems is the isolation and the Kurdish problem. These are all interconnected. In other words, peace and tranquillity will come to the country. The Kurdish issue is 200 years old. It is very difficult to talk about democracy in the country today. A deputy makes a statement but is detained. You can't do this to an MP who has immunity. What is this based on? It is based on the Kurdish question. If the Kurdish problem had been solved, none of these problems would have happened. Abdullah Öcalan's ideas are clear. He defends the peaceful coexistence of two peoples. As soon as there is peace, everyone will be relieved. Abdullah Öcalan's ideas should not be feared. There is no harm in thinking. Isolation must be lifted."