Emmanuel Fernandes, member of the French National Assembly, member of La France Insoumise (Unbowed France), and member of the French delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), spoke to ANF about the 27-year isolation imposed on Abdullah Öcalan, the responsibility of European institutions, and the attacks on Rojava. Fernandes stated that both as a French MP and as a PACE member they bear responsibility regarding prison standards, emphasizing that Öcalan’s detention conditions do not comply with international norms.
Recalling that Turkey is a member of the Council of Europe, Fernandes pointed out that this membership entails international obligations. He stressed that European standards, particularly regarding prison conditions, are binding: “Turkey is a member of the Council of Europe and is obliged to comply with international standards, especially concerning prison conditions. Mr. Öcalan has been in prison for 27 years and in recent years has been held in solitary confinement. It is absolutely essential that he be able to meet regularly with his lawyers, communicate with the outside world, and that this isolation come to an end.”
CPT must fulfill its duties
Fernandes recalled that the body responsible for monitoring prison conditions is the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), pointing to the responsibility of European institutions: “The institution tasked with guaranteeing these conditions is the CPT. At the very least, prison conditions must be respected.” Stating that the mechanisms of the Council of Europe must be effectively implemented, Fernandes said he was speaking on behalf of La France Insoumise and the French National Assembly, demanding that Öcalan’s fundamental rights be guaranteed.
Emphasizing that the absolute imposition of isolation in prisons is unacceptable under international law, Fernandes stated that the right to communication and defense must be regarded as fundamental human rights. He recalled that European institutions have the responsibility to monitor whether member states fulfill their obligations and said concrete steps must be taken in this regard.
Humanitarian situation worsening
PACE member Fernandes also addressed the ongoing attacks on Rojava since January 6, 2026. Drawing attention to the background of al-Shara, head of the Syrian Interim Government, Fernandes said: “We know where Mr. al-Sharaa comes from and his jihadist past. In recent months, with the attacks on Kobanê and Rojava, his true nature has once again been revealed.”
Fernandes stressed that the attacks on Rojava cannot be considered merely a military issue, stating that civilians are being targeted, and the humanitarian situation has worsened. Speaking on behalf of La France Insoumise, Fernandes said: “These attacks must stop immediately. I express my full support to the Kurdish people,” conveying a message of solidarity.
EU must cut ties with forces promoting violence
Fernandes also sharply criticized the stance of the European Union and Western states in the Syrian context. Referring to acts of violence carried out by groups affiliated with the Syrian regime, Fernandes said it is unacceptable for Europe to continue relations with these forces. “The European Union must cut ties with forces that do not respect the physical integrity of the population and that organize or encourage these criminal acts,” he said, emphasizing that Europe must reflect its principled stance on human rights in its actual policies.
Pointing out that the Turkish state also plays a role in this process, Fernandes stated: “We know that Mr. Erdoğan also has an interest in working with Mr. al-Sharaa.” He said this situation deepens conflict and instability in the region and that European institutions cannot ignore these relations.
Embargo must be lifted
Fernandes stressed that Western countries must take concrete and effective steps, not only make statements. “These massacres must end. The bombings must stop. Water and electricity must be restored. The flow of humanitarian aid must be guaranteed. And ultimately, the security of the Kurdish people must be ensured,” he said, calling for urgent measures to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The remarks by Fernandes highlighted the need to once again put on the agenda the responsibility of European institutions both in ending the 28-year isolation imposed on Öcalan and in stopping the attacks and embargo on Rojava. His statements were recorded as a call for stronger engagement by the Council of Europe and the European Union on issues of human rights, international law, and regional stability.
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