Syrian Initiative urges immediate release of leader Ocalan

The Syrian Initiative for the Freedom of Abdullah Ocalan issued a written statement today calling for his immediate physical release. The statement read:

“More than twenty-seven years have passed since the imprisonment of leader Abdullah Ocalan, following his abduction in an international conspiracy from Nairobi Airport, Kenya, on February 15, 1999, and his subsequent detention in solitary confinement in an F-type cell in the notorious Imralı Prison.

The release of Abdullah Ocalan has become an urgent and pressing necessity to initiate the second phase of the peace process and to resolve the Kurdish issue—especially given the long periods he has spent in strict isolation, in violation of international human rights and dignity standards, according to European and international conventions. Moreover, leader Ocalan is now 77 years old and in a critical stage of life that requires attention to his health and enables him to play his important role as a negotiator with Turkish state officials.

Throughout these years, the leader and philosopher Abdullah Öcalan has consistently called for a peaceful and democratic solution to the Kurdish issue, reaffirming his commitment to dialogue and coexistence. Accordingly, his free participation is essential for the future of peace, stability, and democracy in the region—particularly for resolving the Kurdish question.

This urgency has increased further due to the deterioration of his health following a second eye surgery for cataracts. Recent visits by his family and lawyers, as well as statements by his brother Mehmet Öcalan after his latest visit, indicate that he is in critical health condition, necessitating his release as soon as possible.

The continued detention of leader Abdullah Ocalan constitutes an obstacle to any genuine peace and integration process, sending a message that the Turkish state is not serious about promoting dialogue and building trust. His release would be a fundamental step toward the success and credibility of the peace process. This right was recognized by the European Court of Human Rights more than a decade ago. It is worth noting that the Committee of Ministers of the European Union has granted Turkey an eight-month deadline for his release—the third such deadline, which is now nearing its end.

Therefore, the Syrian Initiative for the Freedom of leader Abdullah Ocalan calls on all international institutions and organizations to fulfill their responsibilities regarding human rights. It also urges the Kurdish people and all those who support peace and democracy to assume their responsibilities in backing this historic step. The release of leader Ocalan is not merely an individual issue, but a matter concerning a people and a nation, representing a decisive step toward achieving peace, stability, and democracy in the region, and reflecting a genuine commitment to international human values.”

ANHA