Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), has received a new indefinite disciplinary penalty. The justification of the penalty has not been disclosed to his lawyers, on the grounds that “it will be published in the press”.
The new disciplinary penalty is believed by his legal representatives to be based on spurious justifications, aimed at legitimising his ongoing 2.5 years of absolute incommunicado conditions. This development follows last week’s international campaign advocating for his freedom and inclusion in a peace process for a political solution to the Kurdish question. The campaign has garnered significant global support and continues to receive messages of solidarity.
Anwar Almushrif, a jurist and human rights activist, stated in an interview with ANHA that the isolation conditions imposed on Öcalan are in violation of international laws. Almushrif, who holds a doctorate in international law, emphasised that such isolation contradicts the United Nations rules designed to protect detainees’ rights, including the freedom to express opinions and defend themselves. He also criticised the international community’s silence on the issue and called for greater awareness of Öcalan’s philosophy as a solution for peace in the region.
Dr. Gisela Penteker, a member of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), labelled the isolation as torture. “Isolation is not just a form of torture against Abdullah Öcalan; it’s a torture system affecting everyone and is unacceptable,” she said.
