UN calls for ending Leader Ocalan's isolation

The 80th session of the UN Committee Against Torture, held since July 8 in Geneva, concluded its meetings. The committee published its observations on Turkey yesterday, Friday, following the presentation of reports and all submissions. The monitoring report, consisting of 50 points on human rights violations in Turkey, recommended further follow-up.

The committee's evaluations of the continued and absolute isolation in Imrali were prominently featured in the report.

“We are concerned about the ban on Imrali”

The committee noted its concern about the ongoing absolute isolation in Imrali, stating: "The restriction on allowing meetings with lawyers can last up to 24 hours after detention, and suspects are sometimes interrogated without consulting or in the presence of their lawyers."

The report emphasized that the confidentiality of meetings between lawyers and their clients is not guaranteed. The committee also expressed concern that, in some cases, lawyers are unable to access all their clients' files, and disciplinary measures have been imposed on detainees in Imrali, leading to indefinite suspension of meetings with their lawyers.

“Meetings should be held in Imrali”

The report highlighted concerns raised by Turkish authorities regarding indefinite life sentences without parole and the conditions of isolation at Imrali Prison. It continued: "The committee is particularly concerned about the stringent conditions of visits and social communication for the 4,000 prisoners sentenced in this manner and fears that similar practices are being implemented in health services. The committee is also concerned about Abdullah Ocalan, Hamile Yildirim, Omar Hayri Kunar, and Veysi Aktaş, who have been held in Imrali Prison since March 25, 2021, and notes that some detainees have not seen their lawyers for over nine years."

In concluding the report, the committee sought to remove obstacles to Abdullah Ocalan and Imrali detainees meeting with their families and lawyers. The report requested Turkey to provide information on the violations mentioned in the monitoring report by July 26, 2025, and concluded: "The committee requests the concerned state to facilitate meetings between the families and lawyers of the detainees in Imrali. The law came into effect during the state of emergency, and obstacles preventing the use of basic laws must be removed, with a report on the follow-up to these recommendations. In this regard, the concerned state is invited to inform the committee about the implementation of part or all of the recommendations contained in the current observations in the next reporting period."

A-H

ANHA