“Depriving leader of right to hope is violation of principles of justice”

Lawyer Shahin Al-Ali stressed the necessity of granting leader Abdullah Ocalan the “right to hope,” emphasizing that depriving him of this right constitutes a violation of the principles of justice and human dignity, and pointing out that Turkey has not complied with the European Court’s ruling.

11 November, 2025 06:00

KOBANI

SARIYA SHEIKHO

In 2003, lawyers for leader Abdullah Ocalan submitted a request to the European Court of Human Rights regarding what is known as the “right to hope.” Following an appeal on March 18, 2014, the Court issued a ruling demanding that Turkey grant leader Abdullah Ocalan this right. The Court condemned Turkey on this appeal. Eleven years have passed since this ruling, and Turkey has yet to recognize it.

Shahin Al-Ali, a member of the Euphrates Canton Lawyers Union, assessed the isolation imposed on leader Abdullah Ocalan and the “right to hope” law.

Shahin al-Ali began by discussing the severe isolation imposed on leader Abdullah Ocalan for the past 27 years in Imrali prison, stating, "There is no specific law known as the 'right to hope' in prisons, but according to the European Court of Human Rights, leader Abdullah Ocalan, and anyone who has spent 25 years in prison, has the right to demand this right, which allows the convicted person the opportunity to have their case reviewed and the possibility of release, in accordance with the principles of justice and human dignity."

Al-Ali continued, noting that Turkey is a member of the European Court of Human Rights, but it ignores the court's rulings in practice. He said, "Turkey, as a member of the court, must reconsider its position and adhere to human rights rulings. To date, Turkey has not implemented any of these rulings, and this is unacceptable."

The Call for the Freedom of Leader Abdullah Ocalan

Al-Ali explained that the European Court of Justice has given Turkey until June 2026 to reassess the situation of Leader Abdullah Ocalan. He stated, "The Turkish state must resolve this issue by June 2026 and grant the leader his physical freedom."

Hope for Freedom and Dignity

In closing, Shahin Al-Ali called for the leader to be granted his physical freedom, saying, "Only through the freedom of Leader Abdullah Ocalan can the issues of the world and the Kurdish people be resolved on the foundations of freedom and peace."

ANHA