HDP's Öcalan applies to Ministry of Justice: Ease these concerns 2021-03-16 14:11:12 ANKARA - HDP Urfa Member of Parliament Ömer Öcalan applied to the Ministry of Justice to clarify the allegations made on social media about Abdullah Öcalan and to ease the concerns. Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Urfa MP Ömer Öcalan submitted a petition to the Ministry of Justice to clarify the allegations spread from social media accounts regarding the health and safety conditions of PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan and to ease the concerns.   Stating that they could not communicatr with Öcalan as his family, Öcalan said: "The last time his attorneys saw him was on August 7, 2019 and he was allowed to speak to his family on the phone once in 21 years even though there is no legal obstacle against it. His last communication with people out of prison was on April 27, 2020, which was allowed on the occasion of the pandemic. After this date, Öcalan has never been able to communicate neither with his family nor his attorneys and there has been same claims on his life on the social media on 14.03.2021, which caused great concerns.   'REMOVE THE BAN ON VISITS'   The continuation of Öcalan's petition to the ministry is as follows: "Since it is out of question to discuss fundamental human rights and freedoms, which are guaranteed by universal principles and national laws, despite all attempts, Mr. Öcalan is not allowed to meet with his attorneys and his family illegally. The hunger strikes initiated by political prisoners in various prisons have become critical in order to end the isolation imposed on Mr. Öcalan and to open up communication channels. For all these reasons; the basic rights for all prisoners must be implemented for Mr. Abdullah Öcalan, the ban on visits must be removed, the claims on his health and living conditions must be cleared and the concerns must be eased. I hereby demand the necessary permits to be given."