The ECtHR ruled 11 years ago that the imposition of life sentences without the possibility of parole violates the European Convention on Human Rights' prohibition of torture and inhumane treatment. However, Turkey has yet to make any legal amendments to comply with this judgment concerning Abdullah Öcalan and three other prisoners.

 

Civil society and legal organizations, including ÖHD, the Human Rights Association (İHD), and various regional bar associations, submitted a formal communication to the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers on July 24, urging enforcement of the ruling. The Committee has given Turkey until September 2025 to present a credible action plan.

 

'NO CONCRETE REFORM PLAN FROM TURKEY'

 

Speaking to Mezopotamya Agency (MA), Zilan Aydın criticized Turkey’s repeated submission of vague and inadequate plans to the Committee. "The so-called action plans lack any real substance," she said and added: "They cite the presidential pardon system and conditional release as alternatives, but these are not accessible to political prisoners serving aggravated life sentences."

 

According to Zilan Aydın, although Turkey’s Penal Code technically allows conditional release after 36 years, this does not apply to those convicted under so-called "terrorism" laws. "In practice, this creates a system where no release mechanism exists for political prisoners like Öcalan."

 

‘SANCTIONS COULD FOLLOW’

 

Zilan Aydın noted that the current civil society submission could be the last one before the Committee moves forward with an interim resolution, which may include sanctions or other measures against Turkey. "The Committee’s secretariat has already been instructed to prepare for this possibility," she said.

 

A CRUCIAL MOMENT FOR DEMOCRATIC REFORM

 

Zilan Aydın pointed to the ongoing Peace and Democratic Society Process and described Öcalan as a key figure: "This is an opportunity for the Turkish state to fulfill its legal obligations and commit to democratic reforms. Implementing the right to hope would be a meaningful step forward."

 

She also called on the parliamentary commission, formed in the spirit of national dialogue, to take decisive action: "If this commission cannot push for legal amendments to enforce the ECtHR ruling, then who can? Ensuring Öcalan’s right to hope is not only a legal necessity but also a critical move toward a peaceful resolution of the Kurdish issue."