Close Menu
News JournosNews Journos
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Latest Headlines:
  • Nvidia’s Jensen Huang Courts Beijing Amid Renewed Market Access in China
  • Volcanic Eruption in Iceland Forces Evacuation of Tourists from Blue Lagoon as Lava Approaches Grindavik
  • Humanity Faces Significant Losses, Says Spokesperson
  • Gun Seller Backed by Donald Trump Jr. Launches Stock Trading
  • Lightning Strike in New Jersey Leaves 1 Dead, 13 Injured
  • Used EV Batteries Poised to Power AI Growth
  • UK Inflation Data Reveals Key Trends for June
  • Hijacked Small Plane Grounds Flights at Vancouver International Airport
  • Experts Warn of Vulnerabilities in Federal E-Verify System Following Workplace Raids
  • Trial Commences Over Alleged Facebook Privacy Violations Involving CEO and Others
  • Controversy Surrounds Franco-Israeli Singer Amir at Francofolies de Spa Festival
  • Newsom Criticizes Trump’s National Guard Move, Urges Maturity
  • Potential Consequences of Trump’s Dismissal of Fed Chair Powell
  • Prince Harry Honors Diana’s Legacy by Advocating Against Landmines in Angola
  • Tsunami Warning Lowered to Advisory Following 7.2 Magnitude Earthquake near Alaska
  • Goldman Sachs Reports Q2 2025 Earnings Results
  • Rubio Calls Israeli Strike on Damascus a ‘Misunderstanding’ Amid Peace Efforts
  • Complete Skeleton of Medieval Knight Discovered Beneath Former Ice Cream Parlor in Poland
  • James Gunn Discusses “Superman”: Release Date, Character’s Immigrant Story, and Themes of Kindness
  • Assembly Discusses Olive Grove; Tanal’s Brief Action Sparks Varank’s Controversial Remarks
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
News JournosNews Journos
Subscribe
Saturday, August 2
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
News JournosNews Journos
Turkey Declines to Extend 'Right to Hope' to Öcalan in Council of Europe Communication

Turkey Declines to Extend ‘Right to Hope’ to Öcalan in Council of Europe Communication

Serdar ImrenBy Serdar ImrenJuly 10, 2025 Turkey Reports 6 Mins Read

In a recent development, Turkey has made a controversial announcement regarding the “right to hope” for prisoners serving aggravated life sentences, including the prominent figure Abdullah Öcalan, who is the leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and has been imprisoned since 1999. This action comes as Turkey submits a new plan to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, ahead of a review set for September 2025. The government’s stance hinges on the interpretation of European human rights laws and signals a firm rejection of any possibility for conditional release for Öcalan and others in similar situations.

Article Subheadings
1) Overview of the “Right to Hope” in Human Rights Laws
2) Turkey’s Official Response to the Committee of Ministers
3) Reactions from Political Observers and Activists
4) The Broader Implications of Turkey’s Stance
5) Path Forward and Upcoming Reviews

Overview of the “Right to Hope” in Human Rights Laws

The concept of the “right to hope” is deeply embedded in European human rights jurisprudence, specifically as it pertains to the treatment of prisoners. The recognition of this right emerged prominently in the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in the case of Vinter and Others v. the United Kingdom in 2013. The Court held that prisoners must possess the possibility of parole or review in order to avoid inhuman treatment. The core argument emphasizes that without the potential for release, even life sentences can be interpreted as cruel and degrading.

This idea has been further solidified through subsequent cases, including the specific ruling regarding Öcalan. In 2014, the ECtHR found that the outright denial of any possibility for review or release for Öcalan was a violation of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which safeguards against inhumane or degrading treatment. This legal foundation has established a framework that advocates for the rights of prisoners to maintain hope for eventual release, highlighting the potential for reform and rehabilitation.

Turkey’s Official Response to the Committee of Ministers

In response to the Committee of Ministers, Turkey has asserted its position through a formal action plan submitted on June 27. This document outlines the government’s interpretation of the ECtHR’s rulings concerning prisoners sentenced to aggravated life imprisonment. Turkey explicitly stated that “no further individual measures are necessary” for those individuals and labeled such sentences as “exceptional,” referring to the national law that disallows parole for individuals convicted of terrorism-related offenses.

The submission includes critiques of the necessity for any new legal provisions to accommodate the so-called “right to hope.” This stance legally eliminates any chance of conditional release for Öcalan and aligns with Turkey’s broader human rights policy approaches. The country’s commitment to not budging on this issue emphasizes a strong nationalist viewpoint within its political framework.

Reactions from Political Observers and Activists

The government’s action plan has not been received positively by various political observers and human rights advocates. Newroz Uysal, a member of parliament from the pro-Kurdish DEM Party and one of Öcalan’s legal representatives, criticized the plan as being inadequate and lacking concrete proposals. She articulated her observations, stating that the plan, comprising nearly five pages, essentially says nothing relevant to the grievances aired by the Committee of Ministers.

Uysal pointed out that the apparent absence of actionable suggestions undermines the expectations laid out by the Committee, which had previously intimated the possible creation of a draft interim resolution should Turkey fail to implement necessary measures by September 2025. This commentary underscores the tense atmosphere surrounding the government’s approach to Öcalan and the broader issues of Kurdish rights in Turkey.

The Broader Implications of Turkey’s Stance

Turkey’s firm position on the denial of the “right to hope” carries significant implications for its international standing regarding human rights. Critics argue that this refusal not only undermines the rights of prisoners but also brings into question Turkey’s commitment to upholding international human rights obligations, especially as it pertains to its relationship with European institutions. The ongoing friction points to a systemic issue within Turkish legal practices that could detrimentally impact the country’s international image and legal partnerships.

Moreover, with upcoming assessments from the Committee of Ministers in September 2025, Turkey’s actions could lead to punitive measures or further scrutiny from European institutions. Such scenarios raise the stakes for both the Turkish government and the European Council, highlighting that Turkey’s rigid stance may lead to more severe diplomatic consequences and could incite further political mobilization among pro-Kurdish groups within the country.

Path Forward and Upcoming Reviews

Looking ahead, the next significant review by the Committee of Ministers in September 2025 will serve as a crucial turning point for Turkey regarding its commitments to uphold human rights standards. Should Turkey continue along its current path without engaging in reformative measures, there is a potential for increased diplomatic pressure or even a call for intervention from international human rights organizations. The deadline established by the Committee could catalyze a series of negotiations or actions aimed at addressing the structural deficiencies identified in Turkey’s human rights landscape.

As Öcalan’s case remains a focal point in domestic and international discussions on human rights, the need for a pragmatic path forward that includes a reassessment of the treatment of aggravated life prisoners will be essential. Observers suggest that the government may eventually have to confront internal and external pressures to reconsider its approach, thereby ensuring compliance with international human rights standards.

No. Key Points
1 Turkey has rejected the “right to hope” for prisoners serving aggravated life sentences, including Öcalan.
2 The ECtHR has previously ruled that denying parole could violate prisoners’ rights under Article 3 of the European Convention.
3 Human rights activists criticize the Turkish government’s action plan as lacking substantive proposals.
4 Potential for increased scrutiny and diplomatic pressure on Turkey ahead of the Committee’s September 2025 review.
5 Emphasis on Turkey needing to align its practices with international human rights obligations to avoid further consequences.

Summary

The Turkish government’s refusal to acknowledge the “right to hope” for prisoners like Abdullah Öcalan marks a pivotal moment in the interplay between human rights and national legislation. As the Committee of Ministers prepares for its review in September 2025, the actions taken—or not taken—by Turkey could have far-reaching implications for its international relations and its adherence to human rights obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Who is Abdullah Öcalan?

Abdullah Öcalan is the leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and has been incarcerated since 1999 for his role in the Kurdish independence movement in Turkey.

Question: What does the “right to hope” entail?

The “right to hope” is a legal principle established by the European Court of Human Rights, asserting that prisoners should have the possibility of parole or being reviewed to prevent inhumane treatment.

Question: What is the significance of the Committee of Ministers’ review in September 2025?

The review is crucial as it will assess Turkey’s compliance with previously established human rights rulings and could lead to international repercussions if no progress is observed regarding the rights of aggravated life prisoners.

Communication Council Critical Issues in Turkey Declines Democracy in Turkey Domestic Affairs Turkey Economic Policy Turkey Europe Extend Government Policies Turkey hope Legislative Updates Turkey Media and Politics Turkey National Security Turkey Öcalan Political Developments Turkey Political Reforms Turkey Regional Impact Turkey Social Issues Turkey Turkey Turkey’s Strategic Developments Turkish Diplomacy Turkish Elections Turkish Foreign Relations Turkish Leadership Turkish Legal Affairs Turkish Politics Turkish Public Policy
Serdar Imren
  • Website

Serdar Imren is a distinguished journalist with an extensive background as a News Director for major Turkish media outlets. His work has consistently focused on upholding the core principles of journalistic integrity: accuracy, impartiality, and a commitment to the truth. In response to the growing restrictions on press freedom in Turkey, he established News Journos to create a platform for independent and critical journalism. His reporting and analysis cover Turkish politics, human rights, and the challenges facing a free press in an increasingly authoritarian environment.

Keep Reading

Turkey Reports

Humanity Faces Significant Losses, Says Spokesperson

6 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

Assembly Discusses Olive Grove; Tanal’s Brief Action Sparks Varank’s Controversial Remarks

5 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

Mothers Reflect on PKK Weapon-Burning Ceremony: A Call for Peace

7 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

Özgür Özel Warns of Dream Disturbance: “A Nightmare Awaits”

5 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

İmamoğlu Receives 1-Year, 7-Month Prison Sentence for Remarks Against Chief Prosecutor

7 Mins Read
Turkey Reports

Prosecutor Tensions Emerge in Imamoglu Case Amid Controversy Over Evidence Access

5 Mins Read
Mr Serdar Avatar

Serdar Imren

News Director

Facebook Twitter Instagram
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
  • About Us
  • Get In Touch
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Terms and Conditions
© 2025 The News Journos. Designed by The News Journos.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.