Constitutional Court: Öcalan's Right Was Violated

Constitutional Court ruled that PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan's right was violated when his book was seized and burnt in the process of publishing. 

On September 21, 2012, Öcalan's book entitled "Kurdistan Revolution Manifesto, Kurdish Problem and Democratic Nation Solution (Defense of Kurds in Grip of Cultural Genocide)” had been seized. 

After considering Öcalan’s application, the court found a right violation based on the seizing, confiscation and burning of Öcalan’s book which was full draft and ready for publication. 

The decision was taken with a majority vote of 14 members Supreme Court’s General Commission with three opposite votes.  

The European Court of Human Rights ruled on March 18 that Öcalan's right was violated due to his imprisonment conditions until 17 November 2009. Turkey was convicted to pay 25,000 euros because of court expenses. (NV/GOA/BM)

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.