The Council of Europe's Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), in its recently published report on its Imrali visits, drew attention to the isolation and torture implemented in the prison island.

Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Party Assembly Member and Free Women's Movement (TJA) activist Halide Türkoğlu evaluated the Imrali isolation, the CPT's report and Öcalan's role in resolving the Kurdish problem. Stating that there has been an aggravated isolation against Öcalan since 1999, Türkoğlu noted that the AKP government has developed further isolation to keep its power alive since 2015.

Isolation, said Türkoğlu, must be treated as an attack on peace. "Isolation in Imrali is the reason why the Kurdish problem cannot be resolved in a democratic way. Isolation has been developed by a fascist system in Turkey. The AKP-MHP government are relying on war and conflict to survive. They are constantly trying to create conflict among peoples, religions and identities in order to maintain their power."

Saying that the AKP-MHP government has developed policies that will appeal to the feelings of racist and chauvinist groups in order to survive, Türkoğlu added: "Who carried out this war since the international conspiracy? The United states, Britain and Turkey are also involved in this war, the European states."

A late report

Commenting on the report published by the CPT recently, Türkoğlu continued: "Although the report published by the CPT is a late and lacking report, it is the first time that it has clearly declared that the isolation is systematic. The CPT's report does not contain anything about Öcalan's family and his lawyers. There are shortcomings as the report does not warn state officials and institutions about the isolation.”

Türkoğlu reminded that the CPT has only published 2 reports in the 21 years of isolation. “There are expectations related to Turkey in the report. The isolation link of the Turkish state and other states must be addressed. The CPT's report concerns the European Cpurt of Human Rights. Turkey needs stimulation in this regard. Because Turkey is a country where arbitrary decisions are normal. The report does not contain anything clear about the situation of Öcalan, who has been in prison for 21 years. The CPT only made statements within the framework of recommendations. This means there will be no sanctions against Turkey. This shows that the arbitrary situation regarding Imralı will continue."

In Turkey and the Middle East the problems are linked to isolation, said Türkoğlu who added: "Until the isolation issue is solved the problems in Turkey the Middle East will not be solved. That is why internationalist forces and peoples should take a firm and clear attitude against isolation and develop activities in this direction.”

Türkoğlu ended her remarks by saying: “Breaking the isolation will mean an end to war in Turkey. With the end of the isolation, the way for a democratic, ecological, gender-oriented and free paradigm will be opened. Once the isolation is over, the voice of Mr. Öcalan will reach the people and the society will be able to breathe. That's why we say breaking the isolation means building peace."