There has been no news for 19 months from Kurdish people’s leader Abdullah Öcalan, who continues to be held under heavy isolation conditions in Imralı Prison. His lawyers made 203 applications, while his family and guardian made 71 requiring a visit, but all the applications were left unanswered.

Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) co-chairs Pervin Buldan and Mithat Sancar, Party Spokesperson Ebru Günay and HDP Urfa MP Ömer Öcalan also applied to the Ministry of Justice to visit Öcalan on 20 October. However, the ministry has not yet responded to the application.

HDP co-chair Pervin Buldan told JinNews that there has been no positive or negative response to their application so far and added: “This is the same isolation policy that the AKP government has been pursuing for years. It is possible to perceive a delay, an ignorance, or even the absence of an answer to our application as an indication that the isolation is very deep and will deepen even further.”

A shame for Turkey

Buldan said: “Families are denied a visit, not just a delegation or lawyers. It is a shame for Turkey that this attitude continues to be held. It is a shame that no lawyer could visit his client for about 2 years, and it is an indication of how deep Turkey's lawlessness has become."

'Isolation must end'

Emphasizing that in case of a negative response they will continue to make applications, Buldan said: “The isolation must end as soon as possible. The end of isolation is a human rights issue. It is unacceptable that no visits are allowed in Imrali Prison."