Several human rights groups and bar associations in Turkey called on Wednesday for intervention by the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) on Imrali prisoners’ communication rights violations due to prolonged isolation and communication restrictions.
Human rights organisations, including the Human Rights Association (İHD), and Freedom for Lawyers Association (ÖHD), along with various bar associations, have collectively sent a letter to the CPT concerning the communication rights of prisoners held at Imrali Prison, specifically, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan, Ömer Hayri Konar, Hamili Yıldırım and Veysi Aktaş.
Speaking on behalf of the signatory organisations, İHD Co-Chair Hüseyin Küçükbalaban emphasised the urgency of resolving the ongoing communication deprivation at Imrali Prison. “We expect the CPT to contribute to the resolution of this problem as a matter of urgency, in line with its authority and responsibilities under the ‘European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment’,” Küçükbalaban stated.
The letter highlights the absolute isolation imposed on Abdullah Öcalan and his fellow inmates, with no improvements in their conditions over the past three years. Küçükbalaban underscored the severe impact of this situation on the prisoners and their families, calling for immediate action to address these violations of human rights norms and principles.
In conclusion, Küçükbalaban affirmed the commitment of the signatory organisations to monitor the situation closely and ensure accountability for any further violations, emphasising the importance of upholding universal standards of human rights and the rule of law.