International Initiative
Freedom for Ocalan Peace in Kurdistan
P.O. Box 100511, D-50445 Koeln
E-Mail: info@freedom-for-ocalan.com
Url: www.freedom-for-ocalan.com
9 January 2003
Press Release:
Abdullah Ocalans situation unclear
- again no outside contact for six weeks
Yesterday Mr. Ocalans lawyers were again denied access to
their client. He now has been more than six weeks without outside
contact. The unclear situation of the Kurdish leader is a cause
for great concern since these arbitrary measures seem to become
systematic.
Only recently the Council of Europe has requested an end of Mr.
Ocalans severe isolation. While his death penalty has been
converted into life conditions in prison have been aggravated even
further. Being a member of the Council of Europe Turkey is expected
to adhere to the European Convention. Although the government has
repeatedly stated that it is willing to fulfill the Copenhagen criteria
there are still systematic violations and the human rights situation
continues to be desastrous. The reforms induced by the new government
seem to be only cosmetic and have not yet made an impact.
The Kurdish side in the Turkish-Kurdish conflict, however, has
openly announced serious consequences in case Mr. Ocalan would take
any harm. Turkey would intend to use a possible intervention in
Iraq for a military solution of the Kurdish question. The gradual
deployment of large forces in North-Iraq would speak for itself.
This might well escalate the situation and dash all hopes and efforts
for a democratic solution of the Kurdish question. The consequences
for the
stability of the region would be incalculable. All those who want
a democratic Turkey as a guaranty for the securuty and stability
of the region will want to prevent such developments.
As an international peace initiative we are very concerned about
Mr. Ocalans life. His prison situation is not subject to any
nonpartisan supervision. This has to be changed. We therefore call
on the European states to support all efforts for Mr. Ocalans
safety and the improvement of his prison situation.
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