The EU-Turkey Civic Commission is extremely concerned at revelations regarding the health of Abdullah Öcalan, following the recent announcement by his legal team that analysis of hair samples uncovered evidence of contamination with elevated levels of chromium and strontium. The revelations reinforce concerns at the conditions of detention of Mr Öcalan, who has been the sole inmate on Imrali Island since 1999.
In reaction to these developments, EUTCC Chairwoman Kariane Westrheim stated I am gravely concerned at the recent news that Mr Öcalan may be suffering from contamination with toxic chemicals in prison. I call on international institutions, particularly the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), immediately to conduct a full investigation into these revelations and to take all necessary measures to ensure Mr Öcalans well being. I call on Turkey to cooperate fully in any investigation and ensure that the state of health of Mr Öcalan be independently verified and monitored. I would furthermore like to remind the Turkish Government, under whose jurisdiction Mr Öcalan is incarcerated, of its obligations under international human rights treaties and conventions, as well as its obligation to meet the Copenhagen Criteria. The abuse and mistreatment of prisoners is absolutely unacceptable in a democratic society. If Turkey is found to have had a hand in the alleged poisoning of Mr Öcalan, this will have grave consequences for both its EU accession hopes and its international standing.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Secretary General, EUTCC
Jon Rud
Sierra Altea, Buzon 138
03599 Altea la Vella
Spain
Tel. 34 965846645
Mobile: 34 666360148
jONRUD@terra.es
