HDP (Peoples’ Democratic Party) co-chair Serpil Kemalbay, HDP party spokesperson Ayhan Bilgen, DBP (Democratic Regions’ Party) co-chair Mehmet Aslan, HDK (Peoples’ Democratic Congress) co-spokespersons Gülistan Kocyiğit and Onur Hamzaoğlu, DTK co-chairs Leyla Güven and Berdan Öztürk made a statement amid growing concerns over the conditions of Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan.

Full text of the joint statement by HDP, HDK, DBP and DTK is as follows;

"INCREASING CONCERNS"

“We are witnessing another period of increasing concerns regarding the health condition and security of Abdullah Öcalan on Imrali.

The isolation started on April 5, 2015, about two and a half years ago, lasted until September 11, 2016, when one of his family members was finally allowed to visit him on Imrali as a result of the hunger strike of 50 Kurdish politicians. However, ever since, he is being kept in isolation again, and neither his family nor his lawyers has been allowed to see him, and there has been no change in the aggravated isolation imposed on him.

This inhumane policy, violating all rights of prisoners, is leading to concerns for foremost, but not only, Kurds all around the world.

Moreover, this concern does not come out of nothing. The current policies of the AKP-MHP coalition and all Turkish institutions constitute a violation and deprivation of all rights of the Kurdish people.

To make it clear: We are currently facing a state and government structure that is hostile against anything that pertains to the Kurdish.

First of all, we must not forget that it was Öcalan himself foreseeing most of the issues, such as in Mosul or Kirkuk that the Middle East is going through today.

The Turkish government;

- has an aggressive attitude towards Northern Syria and Rojava; has close relationships with jihadist groups; is taking steps targeting Afrin,

- expresses aggressive remarks against Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government, pursues hostile policies and forms wrong alliances in the region,

- has lately voiced an endless amount of hate speeches in domestic politics, humiliating expressions, engages in imprisonment, torture against civilians and bombardments with UCAVs (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles),

- is attempting to liquidate the Kurdish people and political movement from democratic politics and local governments, which are only some of the threats that the Kurdish people are facing right now.

Apart from that, hatred and hostility is currently spreading to every part and corner of society. How sad that the AKP government and its allies such as the MHP and Ergenekon do not hesitate at any moment to express hatred against the Kurdish people.

"ÖCALAN IS NOT AN ORDINARY CONVICT"

Under these circumstances, some of the current news and social media posts regarding Öcalan’s health condition and security are causing concerns.

Who are these people, who spread these news? For what purpose are they doing so? We are calling upon the Minister of Justice to deal with this issue. This topic is sensitive and cannot be solved through a simple statement by the Bursa Prosecutor’s Office. That statement was neither trusty nor authentic.

Öcalan is no ordinary convict. The Kurdish people are expecting to be informed about his health condition from first hand, from himself. The AKP government has rejected hundreds of applications of his lawyers to meet him. His family is not allowed to see him either. This is causing concerns foremost to the Kurds, and to all the circles supporting democracy and peace.

"WE WON’T ACCEPT THIS ISSUE BEING PASSED OVER"

The insensitive attitude of the Turkish state is not acceptable. Concerns and expectations are simultaneously increasing day by day. We expect the government and state institutions to bear a serious attitude and stop the isolation. We expect them to take the necessary steps now. Our institutions and organizations are very resolute about this topic. It is not a topic that can be simply passed over through a few statements.

With his thinking, ideas and recommendations, Öcalan has been a key figure who contributed greatly to the achievement of peace and democracy, and resolution of problems through peaceful and democratic steps at both regional and local level. The news spread about him are not unlinked to the developments in the region. These realities should never be forgotten. In addition, these realities were seen very well also by the state officials during the İmralı talks that lasted two and a half years.

We know that isolating Öcalan is part of the warmongering policies of the Turkish government and institutions. Isolation leads to war and armed conflicts. Isolation means regional hostility against the Kurds. This isolation means to be against everything that is somehow Kurdish.

"INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS SHOULD INTERVENE"

Beginning with the CPT, we are inviting all international institutions: Do not remain silent on this lawlessness.

Öcalan’s family, lawyers or a political delegation must be allowed to visit him on Imrali. As long as this does not happen, no statement whatsoever will relieve but on the contrary, increase our concerns.

We are once again calling attention that this inhuman isolation must stop immediately. Until then, all of our institutions will enhance their struggle and raise their voice.”