MATUHAY-DER (association of solidarity with families' prisoners) issued a written statement regarding the situation of Öcalan and the new law of execution approved by parliament.

Noting that the risk of contracting the Covid-19 is higher in prisons, MATUHAY-DER called the decision of the government to not release all prisoners an "attempted murder."

The association underlined that Öcalan is held in a condition of heavy isolation and that there are serious concerns about is health. "

"Mr. Abdullah Öcalan and the other prisoners in İmralı Prison are kept in isolation despite the epidemic," said the statement adding: "Despite this, the coronavirus crisis is being turned into an opportunity with the recent prohibitions. This situation is neither human, nor ethical and legal. Not informing families and lawyers about the condition of Öcalan and the other prisoners is reason for growing concern."

The statement added: "We demand the right of the families, lawyers and guardians to be respected and at least allow telephone calls, following the directive given by the Ministry of Justice."

The association, which reacted to the exclusion of political prisoners from the new law of execution defined it a "shameful law."

The statement added: "The AKP and MHP have ignored the right to life by abandoning prisoners to their fate. The right to life of all prisoners, including those in Imrali, should be regarded as sacred and therefore should be protected. We invite to take a step towards a more inclusive and conscientiously designed bill through democratic means and methods. ”