The Kurdish Human Rights Action Group, established in South Africa, has initiated a campaign directed at Amnesty International, focusing on the plight of Abdullah Öcalan, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader currently imprisoned by Turkey.
Led by Judge Essa Moosa, a staunch advocate for the Kurdish cause, the campaign launched an appeal for the human rights organisation to scrutinise the dire conditions of Öcalan’s imprisonment. Since 25 March 2021, Öcalan has faced incommunicado detention, a situation described as both inhumane and unjust, emphasising the urgency for Amnesty International’s involvement.
The call to action underscores the Turkish government’s deviation from international legal standards concerning political prisoners, notably ignoring the United Nations Mandela Rules. The campaign letter to Amnesty highlights the ongoing isolation and alleged torturous treatment of Öcalan since his 1999 imprisonment. It draws attention to the lack of effective oversight by the Council of Europe and the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), suggesting that geopolitical considerations have hindered their responsibilities.
Furthermore, the campaign argues that Öcalan’s situation transcends individual rights, pointing to his role in the Turkish-Kurdish peace process and his recognition as a legitimate representative by millions of Kurds. It suggests that addressing Öcalan’s freedom could significantly impact the resolution of the long-standing Turkish-Kurdish conflict.
The group’s appeal concludes by urging Amnesty International to exert public and political pressure on Turkey to allow Öcalan access to his lawyers and family, in line with Turkish and international law, marking a step towards potential peace and adherence to human rights standards.
