On 1st March 2007 it was announced that the results of laboratory tests on Ocalan’s hair had confirmed highly increased values of Strontium and Chrome – indicating chronic poisoning.
Over 70 people have taken part in a hunger strike since the beginning of April 2007 protesting against the poisoning and today demonstrated outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg emphasizing their message.
Jean Lambert, who has been awarded for her work on Justice and Human Rights, signed the petition, initiated by German MEP Feleknas Uca, for Ocalan’s safety and today met with those demonstrating. Jean commented; “Ocalan’s safety is paramount in this situation. Although he has been imprisoned he should not be kept in a situation where his life could be in danger or his treatment is inhumane.
“I now urge the Council of Europe to ask the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture to immediately send an independent delegation of doctors to the island of Imrali, where Ocalan is being held, to check the results of these earlier tests and to examine his general state of health.”
ENDS
For more information please contact:Morwenna Holland, Media OfficerTel: 020 7407 6280 or 07813149812 Email: media@jeanlambertmep.org.uk www.jeanlambertmep.org.uk
Notes to editors: Jean Lambert: In October 2005 Jean was named MEP 2005 for Justice and Human Rights. Jean was first elected Green Party Member of the European Parliament for London in the 1999 European elections. She was re-elected in 2004. She is one of nine MEPs representing London and one of two UK Green representatives in the European Parliament.