Writer: Isolation imposed on leader is gross violation of international laws

As the isolation imposed on leader Abdullah Ocalan continues, human rights voices demanding the end of this measure, which constitutes a violation of international laws and humanitarian standards are growing louder.

In this context, human rights advocate Awas Ali Khalil from Raqqa called on international powers and concerned organizations to intervene immediately to lift the isolation on leader Abdullah Ocalan. He emphasized that continued detention in this manner contradicts the most basic principles of justice and human rights.

Khalil stated that the isolation imposed on leader Abdullah Ocalan throughout his detention violates international criminal law and international humanitarian law, as these laws prohibit isolating any detainee from the outside world after the investigation period ends and a judicial verdict is issued against them, regardless of the nature of the committed offense.

He added: "Turkey has, for years, deprived Abdullah Ocalan of his most basic rights, including meeting with family members or his lawyer. This is a blatant violation of international law, especially since a number of international organizations consider him a prisoner of war, given the ongoing armed conflict between the Turkish state and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) for nearly four decades."

The human rights advocate explained that some rights organizations have classified Abdullah Ocalan as a political figure representing the aspirations of the Kurdish people. From this standpoint, he should receive special treatment and privileges according to international humanitarian law. "Unfortunately, Turkey refuses to adhere to these standards and continues to enforce strict isolation against him."

Khalil pointed out that the initial sentence against Abdullah Ocalan was the death penalty, which was later reduced to life imprisonment following international pressure. He confirmed that "there is no term in international law called ‘open-ended life imprisonment’; the maximum penalties range between 20 and 25 years. Today, Abdullah Ocalan has entered his 27th year in prison, which means he has served the maximum duration that can be considered life imprisonment."

He also emphasized that Turkish laws themselves, such as the Right to Hope Law, grant those sentenced to life imprisonment the chance to have their legal status reassessed after years of incarceration. However, Turkish authorities have not applied this law in Ocalan’s case and continue to completely ignore it.

In conclusion, human rights advocate Awas Ali Khalil appealed to international powers, especially humanitarian organizations such as the International Red Cross and the Committee Against Torture, to take a clear and firm stance against Turkey’s violations, and to exert the necessary pressure on it to release Abdullah Ocalan after he has completed his sentence and to end his isolation out of respect for international laws and human rights.

ANHA