The European Kurdish Women’s Movement (TJK-E) called for continuous urgent action over the recent rumours and claims of the possible death of the Kurdish leader, Abdullah Öcalan.
Due to the prison’s isolation policy the lawyers have not been able to meet with Abdullah Öcalan since 7 August 2019. The last time the lawyers were able to talk with their client was during a phone call on 27 April 2020. The public concern regarding Abdullah Öcalan’s well-being has been increasing upon widespread rumours and claims of his death at the Imralı High Security Prison in Turkey. The claims have been circulating on social media on 14 March via several anonymous Twitter accounts.
The European Kurdish Women’s Movement (TJK-E) issued a statement regarding these latest concerns for Abdullah Öcalan’s well being.
‘What is going on at Imralı?’
Stating that Abdullah Öcalan has been jailed and held under strict isolation conditions on Imralı Island, The European Kurdish Women’s Movement ask “What is going on at Imralı?”.
“There have been widespread claims on social media regarding Abdullah Öcalan’s well-being since 14 March. The health and safety of Leader Apo (Abdullah Öcalan) is a vital issue for Kurdish women and the Kurdish people. These suspicions regarding this issue must be brought to light, urgently,” said the TJK-E.
In the statement, it was also stressed that no clear information has been shared with the public regarding Abdullah Öcalan’s health for a long time as his lawyers and his family members have been prevented from visiting him or communicating with him by any means.
Call for action
The TJK-E condemed the silence of international bodies including the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture
and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) regarding the isolation of Abdullah Öcalan for over 22 years.
“We will take to the streets and organise continuous demonstrations. We call on all the people, especially on all women, for urgent action until we recieve a statement which announces that Abdullah Öcalan is safe and sound and that his health is also in good condition. This is the day to raise the resistance,” said the TJK-E.
