Andreas Schieder, a member of the European Parliament’s Left group, recently responded to journalist Erem Kansoy’s questions on the international campaign for the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan and a political solution to the Kurdish question.
Schieder described the continued absolute isolation in Turkey’s İmralı Island Prison as a tragedy. He expressed his deep concern about the almost three years of incommunicado detention of the leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), Öcalan, without any information about his well-being and said that this situation is a flagrant violation of international law and human rights.
Stressing the urgent need for a political solution to the Kurdish question in Turkey, he said such a solution should not only guarantee the freedom of all peoples, but also the release of Öcalan and other political prisoners.
Underlining the important historical role of Öcalan, Schieder stressed that Öcalan is not only a symbolic figure but also a historical personality. Noting that Öcalan’s life dedicated to peace should serve as an example to the world, he said, “Öcalan still plays a crucial role. He is not only a symbolic figure but also a historical personality. His life dedicated to finding a peaceful solution to the Kurdish problem is an example for the world to follow. He is an important figure in history because of his efforts for peace”.
The MEP is also a signatory to a recent letter sent by the Kurdish Friendship Group in the European Parliament to the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Joseph Borrell, regarding the Turkish military attacks on northern and eastern Syria.
European Parliamentarians decry Turkish attacks in northern Syria, urge EU action
