In Turkey, the fact that things that should be unacceptable have become the norm is deeply concerning for observers abroad, said Professor Louis Lemkow from Barcelona Autonomous University in a recent interview with Medya News’ Serkan Demirel.
Professor Lemkow also denounced the ongoing isolation of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan as an unacceptable act of political repression, highlighting the importance of Öcalan in the Kurdish freedom struggle and labelling him a crucial figure and symbol for the cause.
“The conditions under which Abdullah Öcalan is held cannot be justified on legal grounds. It’s wholly a matter of political oppression,” stated Lemkow. He emphasised that such conditions should make Öcalan’s release a priority on their agenda.
Reflecting on the broader context, Lemkow expressed concerns about the normalisation of such repressive actions within Turkey, noting that it sets a worrying precedent for international observers. “What is considered almost ‘normal’ in Turkey is deeply troubling for those of us outside the country,” he explained.
Further discussing Öcalan’s significance, Lemkow remarked, “Abdullah Öcalan’s role in resolving the Kurdish issue is pivotal. He is a major figure, embodying the demands of the Kurds proficiently.”
Concluding his remarks, Professor Lemkow called for Öcalan’s release on principle, stating, “He is essentially a political prisoner for his ideology and demands, which is wholly unacceptable in a democracy. Therefore, he must be freed.”
