Following remarks by Devlet Bahçeli, leader of Turkey’s far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), suggesting that Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan could only address parliament if he calls for the disarmament of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), Tülay Hatimoğulları, co-chair of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, has reiterated the urgent need to lift Öcalan’s isolation.
Speaking at her party’s parliamentary group meeting, Hatimoğulları asserted, “The solution to the Kurdish question must take place in parliament, and Öcalan must be part of this process. His isolation must be lifted so he can speak, and we can all listen to what he has to say.” Her statement underscores the DEM Party’s long-standing position that genuine dialogue is essential for resolving the Kurdish issue.
In her comments, Hatimoğulları highlighted that the isolation of Öcalan, who has been held in severe confinement for almost 44 months, is not just a personal matter but a broader societal concern. “We have been fighting for years for this isolation to be lifted. The democratic public has always demanded an end to this practice,” she added, emphasising the importance of public support for the move.
Öcalan’s lawyer, İbrahim Bilmez, also responded to Bahçeli’s remarks, reinforcing the call for the end of Öcalan’s isolation. “Bahçeli’s conditions are significant, but we must remember that the political system needs to align with the law. The isolation of Öcalan is a violation of his rights,” Bilmez stated.
He further emphasised that Turkey must comply with a 2014 European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruling that advocates for Öcalan’s ‘right to hope’, which could allow for his eventual release. “The state has a legal obligation to lift Öcalan’s isolation if it claims to adhere to the rule of law,” Bilmez concluded, urging that immediate steps be taken to facilitate dialogue.
Bahçeli framed his comments as a prerequisite for Öcalan’s involvement in the political process. “If the terrorist leader’s isolation is lifted, let him come to the Turkish Grand National Assembly and speak. However, he must first declare the complete end of terrorism and the disarmament of the PKK,” he said, placing the responsibility squarely on Öcalan while ignoring the state’s role in his ongoing isolation.
Meanwhile, Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel also weighed in on the discussion, welcoming Bahçeli’s call for dialogue while stressing the need for transparency and commitment in any potential peace process. He noted that any negotiations should take place within the parliamentary framework to ensure that the voices of all stakeholders are heard.
As political discourse intensifies, Hatimoğulları and Bilmez have made it clear that lifting Öcalan’s isolation is essential for any meaningful engagement with him in the parliament, urging immediate action from the state to facilitate a genuine dialogue on the Kurdish question.
