Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Iğdır Deputy Habib Eksik spoke to ANF about the heavy isolation imposed on Kurdish people's leader Abdullah Öcalan and the ongoing Justice Vigil in front of the Ministry of Justice. Stating that the government has imposed aggravated isolation in Imrali by violating the existing constitution and international law, Eksik said that the CPT also turns a blind eye to the isolation system. “The CPT has turned into a monitoring board rather than preventing torture. Those who want this system to continue are actually the forces that carried out the 9 October [1998] conspiracy [against Öcalan]. They put the Imrali isolation system in front of the peaceful solution to the Kurdish problem, which is the basis of all problems in Turkey. The isolation of Mr. Öcalan, who is one of the main actors in the solution of the Kurdish problem, is unfortunately the biggest obstacle to an honorable peace and life.”

Meeting with Öcalan

Eksik continued: “During the dialogue process [in 2013-2015], the government met with Mr. Öcalan in Imralı and the region almost breathed, no blood was spilled, and it was seen by everyone that life had improved in every aspect. In that respect, the isolation system should end immediately, and the interlocutors should meet with Mr. Öcalan. In fact, physical freedom should be ensured by recognizing the 'Right of Hope' stemming from international law and the constitution.”

Emphasizing that the main purpose of the action carried out by the MPs in front of the Ministry of Justice is to draw attention to the isolation system in Imrali and to ensure the restoration of Abdullah Öcalan's rights, Eksik said: “There has been no news from Mr. Öcalan and other prisoners for nearly 22 months, which is a terrifying situation. In front of the eyes of the whole world, this government is actually applying torture through the isolation system in Imrali. Of course, we cannot remain silent about this unlawful isolation system, which is against human rights. The Imrali isolation system must be ended immediately and the rights of all prisoners, especially Mr. Öcalan, must be respected.”