The Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party shuttle delegation visited former Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) co-chair Figen Yüksekdağ in Kocaeli prison today as part of their ongoing efforts to address Turkey’s Kurdish question through reconciliation. This visit, following yesterday’s meeting with the other former co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş in Edirne prison, highlights the delegation’s focus on inclusivity and dialogue.
Yüksekdağ, who has been in prison since 2016 in what has been widely criticised – including in rulings from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) – as an unlawful detention, spoke with determination about her role in fostering peace. She stated, “We are ready to do whatever is needed for this process.” Her message reinforced Abdullah Öcalan’s guidance that both co-chairs must be involved in the reconciliation process for it to succeed.
The Kurdish conflict began in 1984 when the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) was founded and launched an armed guerrilla struggle in the belief that they had no choice but to defend themselves against the cultural genocide and oppressive politics of the Turkish regime following Turkey’s military coup of 12 September 1980. The guerrillas say that they have always acted in defence of their people, striving to protect their rights and freedoms in the face of systemic violence and aggression. The visit to Yüksekdağ highlighted the importance of including key Kurdish politicans in efforts to resolve this decades-long conflict.
Delegation member Sırrı Süreyya Önder reflected on the symbolic and practical importance of Yüksekdağ’s inclusion in the current reconciliation process, saying, “We must not allow doves to be butchered,” and calling for protection of the integrity of reconciliation efforts against divisive or violent elements.
Önder also highlighted the critical need to abandon toxic rhetoric in Turkish politics. Without naming specific individuals, he criticised inflammatory statements about territorial integrity and dual flags, emphasising that such issues were not part of the agenda. “Our sole focus is peace,” he said. “We invite all parties to contribute constructively and sincerely to this process.”
Related Articles :
DEM Party delegation to visit jailed HDP former leaders during Öcalan talks
DEM Party leaders visit jailed politician Figen Yüksekdağ, decry punishment of anti-ISIS solidarity
Yüksekdağ’s imprisonment, along with that of Demirtaş, remains a stark reminder of the challenges faced by advocates of Kurdish rights in Turkey. The delegation’s visit highlighted their commitment to addressing these injustices as part of broader reconciliation efforts.
Reflecting on the years of conflict, Önder noted, “Time and lives lost cannot be replaced. We owe it to all those who have suffered to bring this conflict to an end and crown it with peace.” He also emphasised the moral duty to ensure a peaceful future for the country’s children, who have inherited a legacy of conflict through no fault of their own.
The DEM Party shuttle delegation has pledged to continue its outreach to diverse societal groups, aiming to build broad-based support for reconciliation. As Önder concluded, “This is not an issue for individuals or parties alone. It is a national matter, and every voice matters in building peace.”
