In a press conference in the Parliament, Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) group deputy chair Hasip Kaplan called attention to the ban on PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan’s meeting with his family and lawyers for 289 days. He said the order comes from Prime Minister.

Kaplan remarked that Turkey has entered into a process of frost in respect to its relations with the European Union, and noted reforms and developments have completely been ceased in the current period.

Reminding that Turkey is the most convicted country by the ECHR, Kaplan said the followings; “Turkey is at the same time going through a process when the rate of jailed press members, deputies and lawyers is higher than ever. Around eight thousand political party members, most of whom are BDP members, are in prison at present.”

Kaplan continued pointing to excuses put forward to prevent Öcalan’s meeting with his family and lawyers and asked “Is it the order of the Prime Minister or the laws and legal system that are in effect in this country?” Referring to the visit of Ministers of Justice and Health to Silivri Prison, Kaplan called on both Ministers to make examinations in Imralý Prison as well and to inform the public in this respect.