Activists demand leader Abdullah Ocalan’s freedom and rights

Politicians and Kurdish activists have called for the protection of the legal and human rights of leader Abdullah Ocalan, emphasizing the priority of ending his detention, ensuring his physical freedom, and providing necessary medical care. They view these measures as essential steps to strengthen stability and guarantee his right to hope in accordance with international standards.

7 April, 2026 02:50

HASAKA

ABDUL GHANI AL-HAMAN

Several politicians and activists in Tal Tamr expressed deep concern over the continued isolation imposed on leader Abdullah Ocalan, especially following recent statements by his brother, Mehmet Ocalan, regarding his health. Calls have grown for disclosure of his medical condition and for allowing regular visits by lawyers and family members.

Political activist Heyvidar Muhammad Ali stressed that access to leader Ocalan’s health information and the right to visits are both legal and human rights. She urged authorities to ensure his physical freedom and, under international law, to release him.

Nidal Amin, co-chair of the Democratic Union Party in Tal Tamr, emphasized the need to provide proper medical care and continuous monitoring of the leader, noting that international prisoner rights standards require guaranteed healthcare. He called for an end to his detention and his release.

Ronaz Younes, an administrator in the Star Conference, linked leader Ocalan’s health situation to regional political developments, asserting that any action in this file could impact the Kurdish cause and serve as a step toward stability and the start of peace and democratization processes in Turkey.

Leader Ocalan’s case continues to attract widespread attention, with growing calls for disclosure of his health and protection of his legal and human rights. This follows a March 21 statement by his brother Mehmet, after visiting him, calling for leader Öcalan to be moved out of Imrali Prison, warning that continued detention under current conditions poses a “real danger” to his health and life. Signs of physical fatigue have been observed, particularly in the humid conditions of the island, which are unsuitable for his health and age.

The leader has been imprisoned on Imrali Island in the Sea of Marmara since February 15, 1999, after his arrest in Nairobi, Kenya, and transfer to Turkish authorities, where he was tried. Initially sentenced to death, his sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment following widespread Kurdish protests across Kurdistan, Turkey, and internationally in 2002.

ANHA