Communication with imprisoned PKK leader cut off for 27 months, says legal team

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Lawyers of Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) called for an end to the "isolation" and "inhumane practices" being carried out against him.

In a written statement yesterday, the Asrın Law Office said they have not been able to contact Öcalan for 27 months.

The statement came after the detention of a well-known journalist, Merdan Yanardağ, following his criticism of the authorities over the treatment of Öcalan. He is being investigated for "praising crime and criminals" and "making propaganda for a terrorist organization."

Not Yanardağ, but the conditions at the İmralı High-Security Prison, where Öcalan is being held on İmralı İsland, should be investigated, according to the lawyers.

The prison is witnessing "systematic torture" and "inhumane practices" the lawyers said, while accusing the authorities of attempting to "distort the truth and conceal what is happening in İmralı."

Noting the lack of information reagrding Öcalan's health condition and the detention circumsatences, the statement said, "This represents the most severe stage of torture in İmralı. It is evident that these practices are misguided and illegitimate."

UNHCR decision

The law office also highlighted a provisional decision by the UNHCR, which stated that the prisoners "must be immediately allowed to meet with their lawyers without any restrictions."

After an application by the Asrın Law Office, the decision was communicated to the government twice, in September and January.

Noting that the government has failed to adhere to this internationally binding decision, the law office deemed the refusal to comply with the ruling and the perpetuation of other forms of isolation a "misuse of authority."

"We make a clear call to the government and the Ministry of Justice: Immediate compliance with the provisional measures decision of the United Nations Human Rights Committee, ending the state of no news and torture practices," it said. (HA/VK)