No news has been received from Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan since 25 March 2021. His lawyers and family's requests for a visit are being blocked by the Turkish state on the grounds of "disciplinary punishments."

Speaking on the anniversary of the "Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan, Political Solution to the Kurdish Question" initiative launched on 10 October 2023, Member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and Sinn Féin Senator, Paul Gavan, said: "My clearest call and the call of my party is very clear. The Turkish government must release Abdullah Öcalan."

Senator Paul Gavan said he was aware of the aggravated isolation that Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan is subjected to and that his physical freedom must therefore be ensured. "Every time I attend the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, I see Kurdish women and men standing up and demanding justice for Abdullah Öcalan and demanding his release. I am very aware of the torture he has been subjected to and the incredible persecution that continues to this day," Gavan said.

Senator Gavan added: "I am also very clear that the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan is of central importance to achieving peace and justice for the people of Kurdistan. That’s why we call on the Turkish government to release Abdullah Öcalan. Turkey must allow him to lead the negotiations for peace and justice. This call must resonate around the world."