27.11.2025 17:35
Abdullah Öcalan's lawyer, İbrahim Bilmez, stated that the conditions in İmralı Prison have improved and that there have been changes in the attitude of the prison administration, providing explanations regarding the new rights granted to Öcalan.
In Turkey, during a period of transition to a terrorism-free era and discussions regarding the PKK's disarmament decision, a noteworthy development has occurred concerning İmralı Prison. Abdullah Öcalan, the leader of the PKK, has had his lawyer İbrahim Bilmez state that he has received permission to meet with his client for the first time since 2019 and that there has been a "noticeable improvement" in prison conditions.
26 YEARS IN PRISON
Speaking to Reuters, lawyer Bilmez expressed that significant changes have occurred in the detention conditions of Öcalan, who has been in prison for 26 years. Bilmez noted that the attitude of the personnel in İmralı has been more respectful compared to the past and that the isolation practices have been partially relaxed.
The new opportunities granted to Öcalan are as follows:
- Conversation right: He can meet with other prisoners connected to the PKK.
- Books and TV: He can read books and watch some television channels.
- Internet: Internet access is still prohibited.
The lawyer stated that Öcalan's health condition is good and that he is in high spirits.
"HIS DETERMINATION AND WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED"
Bilmez indicated that Öcalan maintains his belief in the resolution process, stating, "His determination and will remain unchanged. He continues to strive for a democratic solution to the Kurdish issue."
MEETING PERMISSION CAME AS THE PROCESS ACCELERATES
This development comes at a time when Ankara is accelerating its steps to end the 40-year conflict. Last Monday, three members of parliament also visited İmralı to meet with Öcalan. On the other hand, the terrorist organization PKK announced its decision to "lay down arms and dissolve itself" in May.