Law in Turkey subordinate to politics amid absence of democracy

He affirmed that Abdullah Ocalan’s “right to hope” is both a moral and human right, recognized within international standards and conventions. However, he stressed that Turkey enacts laws based on political expediency rather than justice, systematically violating legitimate human rights.

Gabriel Mustafa reminded that the isolation imposed on Leader Abdullah Ocalan is not merely directed at his person but rather targets the Kurdish people, their friends, and all peace-loving communities he represents.

He explained that the persistent crises in the Middle East and the world have lacked genuine solutions for centuries, yet leader Ocalan’s ideological vision offers realistic frameworks for resolving such crises.

“The isolation is therefore not personal—it is an attempt to suppress his ideas, which are followed by millions from diverse communities around the world. By continuing this isolation in Imrali Prison, the Turkish state seeks to silence and prevent the spread of this philosophy,” he said.

Mustafa clarified that while the term “right to hope” varies from country to country, its essence aligns with international human rights law.

“Even where punishment exists, it must never amount to torture. Those who serve their sentences must be allowed release in line with human rights principles. The right to hope is a sacred and moral entitlement—and it is the legitimate right of Leader Abdullah Ocalan,” he emphasized.

He further pointed out that, in principle, the United Nations Security Council—established after World War II to safeguard security, equality, and democracy—has failed in its mandate, as law itself has become hostage to political interests.

“Despite the existence of human rights organizations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Geneva Conventions, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, what the Turkish state has done to Leade Ocalan since the beginning of the international conspiracy is unlawful,” he added.

Mustafa also condemned Turkey’s repeated imposition of so-called “disciplinary punishments” to deprive Öcalan of his right to hope.

“According to Turkish law, there is no such legal provision as a ‘disciplinary punishment’ for prisoners. Legally, anyone who has served 25 years in prison should qualify for the right to hope—and Leader Ocalan has now completed that term. Yet it is clear that in Turkey, laws are enacted to serve political interests. Everything depends on politics. There is no law, no democracy, and no justice—and no genuine steps toward peace are being taken,” he concluded.

a.k

ANHA