Öcalan’s prolonged solitary confinement is a violation of human rights and dignity, and a political resolution, rather than solely punitive or legalistic, is necessary, argued Prof. Mauro Palma, the former President of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT). In an interview with MedyaHaber’s Serkan Demirel, Prof. Palma discussed the situation of Abdullah Öcalan, the leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), who has been imprisoned on İmralı Island for 25 years.
Emphasising the severity and unacceptability of his prolonged solitary confinement, Palma described the inhumane and isolating conditions faced by Abdullah Öcalan in İmralı Prison as a violation of human rights and dignity. “Abdullah Öcalan’s conditions of detention, namely the absolute isolation he is subjected to, are unacceptable,” Palma stated.
Prof. Palma argued that this treatment falls short of international prison condition standards, calling for more humane and rights-respecting approaches in penal systems throughout Europe, including Turkey. He emphasised that limited interaction with fellow inmates falls short of constituting socialisation as per the European Prison Rules, highlighting the inadequacy of Öcalan’s limited engagements. “Limited communication with other prisoners cannot be considered socialisation,” he explained.
Additionally, Palma pointed out the political nature of Öcalan’s imprisonment and suggested that a political, rather than solely a punitive or legalistic, resolution is necessary. “It’s high time for CPT or other Council of Europe bodies to adopt a clearer stance on Öcalan’s detention conditions,” he urged, emphasising the role of European institutions in addressing this complex issue.
Palma, with his extensive experience in observing prison conditions across Europe, including three visits to İmralı Island, highlighted İmralı’s unique and challenging circumstances. He mentioned the difficulties in accessing the island, particularly during winter, and the consequent exacerbation of Öcalan’s isolation.
The former CPT President also touched upon the broader context of imprisonment conditions in Europe, including Italy’s stringent prison system under Article 41-bis. He drew a distinction between such systems and the extreme isolation experienced by Öcalan, emphasising the need for a humane approach that doesn’t strip prisoners of their ability to feel human. “CPT tends to emphasise progress over focusing on risky situations, but it should be more active regarding Öcalan,” Palma noted.
Palma stressed that Öcalan’s situation is a political issue requiring a political solution. He pointed out the complexities involved in resolving such a high-profile case, which has accumulated significant legal and political implications over the years. “Öcalan’s situation represents a reality, and while I may not agree with his solutions, I believe in the right of historical realities to express themselves freely,” Palma asserted.
Palma advocated for a comprehensive review and reform of solitary confinement practices across Europe, including special regimes like the Italian 41-bis or the French haute sécurité. He underlined the importance of ensuring that punishment does not lead to dehumanising treatment. His insights offer a critical perspective on the intersection of human rights, politics, and the penal system in Europe.
Palma stressed that Öcalan’s situation is a political issue requiring a political solution. He pointed out the complexities involved in resolving such a high-profile case, which has accumulated sigfnificant legal and politcal implications over the years. é Öcalan’s situation represents a reality, and while I may not agree with his solutions. I believe in the right of histroical realities to express themselves freely,é Palma asserted. Palma advocated for a comprehensive review and reform of solitary confinement practices across Europe, including special regimes like the Italian 41-bis or the French haute securite. He underlined the importance of ensuring that punishment does not lead to dehumanising treatment. His insights offer a critical perspective on the intersection of human rights, politics and the penal sytem in Europe.
