Jean-Pierre Restellini, former expert for the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), said the international community could also play a role in the democratic resolution of the Kurdish question. He emphasized that once the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has clearly renounced armed struggle, the “terrorist” label must be removed without delay.

Following Abdullah Öcalan’s historic “Call for Peace and a Democratic Society” on February 27, the PKK held its 12th Congress and announced its decision to dissolve the organization and end the armed struggle. Dr. Jean-Pierre Restellini, who visited Abdullah Öcalan three times at Imralı Island Prison, spoke to ANF about these recent developments.

Restellini, who served as a CPT expert for over 30 years and also chaired the Swiss National Commission for the Prevention of Torture, described the decisions made at the 12th PKK Congress as a courageous and peaceful offer presented to the Turkish state for a democratic solution to the Kurdish question. He said the success of this process depends on Mr. Öcalan’s freedom and called on the Turkish state to take concrete steps. “I hope this situation will now be followed by meaningful action from Turkish authorities,” Restellini added.

Abdullah Öcalan must be free

Restellini stated that all the steps taken by Abdullah Öcalan so far have been constructive and expressed hope that Turkish officials will fulfill their responsibilities. He said: “In other words, they should release Mr. Öcalan. In addition, certain legal measures must be taken, perhaps even constitutional reforms in Turkey, because there are several concrete issues, some of which I do not fully understand, that can only be resolved this way.”

It would be in Turkey’s interest

Restellini continued: “Since the moment Abdullah Öcalan called on the PKK to lay down arms, it has been evident that the most rational and beneficial step for the Turkish government would be to release him. This is perfectly clear. Mr. Öcalan is, above all, the leader of the Kurdish people in Turkey. His freedom would directly contribute to resolving the issue. Every Kurd I have met in Switzerland or France, especially in Strasbourg, still sees Mr. Öcalan as their leader.”

The PKK must be removed from the list

Jean-Pierre Restellini noted that the international community could play a constructive role in achieving a democratic resolution. He said: “The problem is that the global agenda is currently crowded and intense. Perhaps there are other matters that the international community considers more urgent. That is my concern. There is also the fact that the PKK was designated as a ‘terrorist’ organization, which I have always found quite absurd. Now that the PKK has clearly renounced armed struggle, this designation must be lifted immediately.”

I look forward to shaking his hand

Jean-Pierre Restellini, who visited Abdullah Öcalan three times as part of a CPT delegation and described him as “a good friend,” added: “I want to send all my feelings of sympathy to Abdullah Öcalan, because every time I met him, I found him to be an extraordinary person. I look forward, with great anticipation, to going and shaking his hand once he is free and in truly free conditions.”