On March 18, 2014, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that the life sentence for Leader Abdullah Ocalan violated the principle of the European Convention "right to hope".
The court also asked Turkey to amend its laws. The court later made the same decision regarding detainees Hayat Kaytan, Emin Korban, and Civan Boltan, despite the passage of 10 years since the decision, Turkey has not taken any steps so far.
The Law Office submitted a request to the Committee of Ministers to implement the European Court's decision on August 9, 2022. Turkey responded by saying: "It is permissible to release those sentenced to life imprisonment, but some crimes are exempted from this right."
The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe held a session from September 17 to 19. After 3 years, it put the issue of the European Court's decision on its agenda.
Representatives of the committee discussed the violation decision and recalled the violation decision by the European Court of Human Rights regarding the life sentence. The representatives stated that the new violation does not constitute an acceptance of the applicant's release within a short period of time. Therefore investigation mechanisms must be found for everyone in accordance with the standards and status of national courts."
The "General Measures" section included four items:
"- It was reiterated that these decisions must be implemented, a mechanism must be established to re-evaluate life sentences, and conditions must be created for early release.
- No progress has been made in this regard so far, which has raised serious concerns. Examples from other countries were recalled and Member States were asked to benefit from these experiences and encouraged to take steps in the near future.
- The concerned parties were again called upon to know the number of people sentenced to life sentences, and the number of those still in prison.
- It was decided that this group would re-examine the issue at the September 2025 meeting.
a.k
ANHA
