Co-chairs of the Federation of Legal and Solidarity Associations for Families of Prisoners and Convicts (MED TUHAD-FED) drew attention to rights violations in prisons, stressing that this situation cannot be considered independent of the isolation imposed on Abdullah Öcalan. The federation also announced that it has submitted an official application to the Ministry of Justice to request a meeting with Öcalan.
In a statement delivered at the federation’s building, Co-Chair Kerem Canpolat said that rights violations in prisons have increased, particularly over the past six months, adding that this situation contradicts the “Peace and Democratic Society Process.”
Canpolat stated that the lack of any improvement in prisons is creating a sense of distrust and noted that the release of some prisoners who have completed their sentences has been delayed.
Conditions in Imralı are decisive
Canpolat stated that the situation in prisons cannot be considered separately from the conditions in Imralı, noting that without a change there, a general improvement would not be possible. He added that Abdullah Öcalan’s ability to communicate directly with society is crucial for the progress of the process.
Application for a meeting
Co-Chair Pınar Sakık Tekin announced that they have submitted an official application to the Ministry of Justice to hold a direct meeting with Abdullah Öcalan.
Pınar Sakık Tekin stated that Öcalan is the “main actor” of the process and that developments are not being reflected in prisons.
Ill prisoners
The statement also highlighted the situation of ill prisoners. Referring to the death of seriously ill prisoner Mehmet Edip Taşar, the federation called for the release of prisoners in similar conditions.
Attention was also drawn to the cases of Mehmet Emin Çam and Fikri Tuğluk, with criticism directed at the decisions of the Council of Forensic Medicine and prison observation boards.
Concrete steps must be taken
The federation called for improvements in prison conditions, the release of sick prisoners, and an end to isolation practices. Pınar Sakık Tekin said: “The physical freedom of Mr. Öcalan, who is the main actor of this process, must be ensured, and isolation policies must be ended. Likewise, in his person, political prisoners must regain their freedom. If we are to speak of fair and equal principles, if we are to speak of making justice a lived reality, this must begin in prisons.”