Intellectuals call for escalating struggle for leader’s physical freedom

Several intellectuals in Tal Tamr expressed concern over leader Ocalan’s health risks in Imrali prison, where he remains in harsh conditions marked by isolation and high humidity. They emphasized that these factors negatively affect his physical and mental health and constitute a genuine threat to his life.

The warnings came after statements by leader Ocalan’s brother, Mehmet Ocalan, following his visit on March 21, revealing that the leader’s health following eye surgery for cataracts is unstable, and that he appeared fatigued and aged. He reportedly suffers from accumulated health problems due to years of isolation.

Idris Al-Younes, a member of the Tal Tamr Intellectuals Union, stated that prolonged isolation exerts a double pressure on the leader: “It gradually weakens the body and creates constant psychological tension, which can impact overall health,” emphasizing that isolation constitutes a real danger to his life.

Teacher Ayhan Al-Younes highlighted the role of intellectuals in bringing Öcalan’s case to media and cultural platforms, producing a humanitarian discourse focused on fundamental rights, and organizing events, seminars, and international human rights campaigns to spotlight his health situation. She stressed that peaceful struggle should be escalated to improve his conditions and ultimately secure his physical freedom.

Writer Ramo Haidar described leader’s health as “critical and requiring urgent attention,” noting that the danger is not hypothetical but the result of years of systematic isolation.

Intellectuals in Tal Tamr agreed that the issue should gain international media, cultural, and public attention. They called on the international community and human rights organizations to intensify efforts to ensure safe conditions for Abdullah Öcalan, appropriate to his age and health, and to work quickly toward achieving his physical freedom.

ANHA