AI: Solitary Confinement of Abdullah Ocalan

Abdullah Ocalan is being held in solitary confinement on the island of Imrali and has reportedly not been able to meet with his lawyers or relatives since 27 November 2002.

Amnesty International believes that solitary confinement of any prisoner carries the risk of serious mental and physical harm and can amount to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.

The imprisonment of a person in total isolation is not acceptable under international human rights standards -- as iterated European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

The organization welcomes the recent announcement by Mr. Mehmet Elkatmis, chairman of the Turkish Parliamentary Human Rights Monitoring Committee, that he will seek a visit to examine the conditions under which Abdullah Ocalan is being held.

However, the organization meanwhile urges the Turkish authorities to take immediate steps to remedy the situation and to allow the access of lawyers and family.

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