Sinn Féin MP Francie Molloy has said news that Kurdish political leader Abdullah Ocalan has received a visit from his brother is welcome.

Molloy added that the policy of isolation against Ocalan must end and that he should be released.

The Mid Ulster MP said: "News that Kurdish political leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned since 1999 and has been isolated on an island prison, has been allowed to receive a visit from his brother is welcome."

Molloy added: "It is the first time he has been allowed to receive a visit from a family member since 2016 but he is still being refused visits from his legal representatives.

This move comes as Kurdish MP Leyla Guven, who has been on hunger strike since November calling for an end to the policy of isolation and the release of Abdullah Ocalan, is now in a critical condition."

Molloy continued: "This policy of isolation against Abdullah Ocalan must end and he must be released immediately along with all Kurdish political prisoners."