Doc. 11271
24 April 2007

The state of health of Mr Abdullah Ocalan

Motion for a resolution
presented by Lord Russell Johnston and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

2007 is the 8th year in which Mr Abdullah Ocalan has been kept at the sole inmate high security island prison in isolation under the responsibility of the Turkish State. Isolation is a clear human rights violation. The scientific results of Mr Abdullah Ocalan’s hair samples indicate another problematic situation that a chronic intoxication is present. This shows that there is a life-threatening situation. An independent delegation of experts must determine the health of Mr Ocalan beyond any reasonable doubt.

      All members of the Council of Europe undertake to abide by the Convention of Human Rights and above all the right to life, Article 3. Turkey must respect this in the case of Mr Ocalan as well. Therefore the Parliamentary Assembly should immediately form an ad-hoc committee to monitor and investigate the health and treatment of Mr Abdullah Ocalan.

Signed 1:


1     SOC: Socialist Group
      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party
      ALDE: Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe
      EDG: European Democratic Group
      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left
      NR: not registered in a group