A message from imprisoned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan, relayed by his nephew, DEM Party MP Ömer Öcalan, has reignited calls for a peaceful resolution to the Turkish-Kurdish conflict. After 43 months of incommunicado detention, Öcalan’s recent family contact led to European politicians and lawyers pressing for further steps, particularly access to legal counsel. They underscored Öcalan’s potential role in advancing peace within Turkey and across the Middle East.
Medya News journalist Erem Kansoy interviewed several European figures actively supporting Öcalan’s rights, capturing their responses to his latest message. In these statements, they emphasised Öcalan’s vision for peace and urged Turkish and international authorities to engage with his call for dialogue.
Martina Anderson
Northern Irish former MEP Martina Anderson expressed relief at the news of Öcalan’s family contact, viewing it as a signal that the Kurdish leader remains hopeful for peace. “This shows Öcalan’s enduring hope for a peaceful resolution,” she said, stressing that the international community should listen to Öcalan, who “has the capacity to foster a peace process in Turkey.”
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Charlotta Lagnänder
Swedish human rights lawyer Charlotta Lagnänder urged European lawyers to intensify pressure on Turkey to allow Öcalan access to legal counsel. “Öcalan’s call for a peace process is critical, and this process should begin without delay,” she highlighted, underscoring the urgency for continued advocacy.
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Prof. Jeff Miley
Cambridge University’s Prof. Jeff Miley sees this as a historic opportunity to move from conflict to peace, echoing Öcalan’s message. “The isolation must end to create conditions for a resolution,” Miley explained, calling for sustained pressure to lift Öcalan’s isolation.
Lorena Lopez
Basque politician and EFA President Lorena Lopez welcomed the update on Öcalan’s health, describing it as a relief. She advocated for “dialogue based on legal and political grounds” to foster peace in Turkey, urging President Erdoğan to seize this opportunity.
Paul Gavan
Irish politician and Council of Europe member Paul Gavan condemned Öcalan’s ongoing isolation, noting the broader human rights implications for the Kurdish community, especially in Rojava. “The policy of isolation must end immediately,” Gavan emphasised, calling on Turkey and the international community to respond to Öcalan’s peace appeal.
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