Lezgin Botan, a former deputy of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) for Van province, spoke to ANF about the isolation regime imposed on Abdullah Öcalan, the attitude of European institutions and the solution proposals.

Botan remarked that the situation of Öcalan was a litmus test, and that Europe is responsible for the aggravated isolation he has long been subject to. Calling for the CPT to immediately clarify the ambiguity it has created, Botan said: “The Council of Europe, the European Union, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the CPT (Committee for the Prevention of Torture) and the ECtHR are all facing a serious test. These institutions, which bear responsibility to protect European legal values, betray their own values by giving in to the blackmail of the Turkish state. There are sanctions against member states that do not fulfil the requirements of the ECHR clauses. Under certain circumstances, the Council of Europe may exclude members from membership. Unfortunately, the fascist regime in Turkey has always been tolerated. There could have been serious sanctions, but European institutions have failed to do so. For this reason, the Council of Europe has destroyed its prestige and ethos. They've lost their significance because they haven't condemned the Turkish regime by enforcing the laws.”

AN INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM OF TORTURE

Botan stressed that İmralı Prison was a torture system and called attention to the persistence of the "psychological", "physical" and "geographical" torture system against Öcalan and his fellow prisoners. Botan continued: “The conditions of this island have a direct impact on human life and health. It is a reclusive place that is disconnected from everything. This is a separate torture system. It is also a high security military zone. Families and lawyers of the prisoners have no direct access to the island prison. It's also torture for families. The entire system is based on torture. In the meantime, we know that inconceivable torture methods have been used against Mr. Öcalan inside the prison. This was covered in previous CPT reports and by lawyers. His room is monitored 24 hours a day by cameras. This torture has been going on for 24 years. The Imrali system is an international system of torture. It is an unprecedented system. We are facing a desperate situation.”

ISOLATION AFFECTS ALL KURDS

Botan pointed out that: “The isolation that first started in the Imrali affects all Kurds. Kurdish politics and institutions are experiencing it in its most barbaric form. The crackdown on the Kurdish people cannot be considered independently of the Imrali torture system.

GOVERNMENT PREVENTS ÖCALAN FROM MEETING PEOPLES

The politics that emerged at Imrali has paved the way for peace in Turkey and the Middle East, offering hope and solutions to societies, said Botan and continued: “Mr. Öcalan is a leader who knows the dynamics of Middle East politics. His solution proposals are praised, and he has influence over the region. Another reason for the isolation imposed by the Turkish state is to prevent Imralı-centered politics from meeting with peoples. This isolation has had serious consequences for peoples. It is essential to develop social pressure to make sure that lawyer and family visits to Imrali are allowed. This would be in the interest of both the Kurdish and the Turkish people. The current situation with regard to war is obvious. The Turkish state has no other way out. We saw how the Turkish state rhetoric vowing to finish off the PKK within 3-5 months has failed. The Turkish army has also resorted to chemical weapons, yet it can't get results. The PKK is a popular movement. It is a movement that has been recognized in all four parts of Kurdistan and in many parts of the world. The PKK has years-long experience and enjoys public support.”

Botan said it was important for the Kurdish people and their friends to generate social pressure until information about Öcalan could be obtained and highlighted the importance of democratic reactions until meetings take place at İmralı.