“Sırrı Süreyya Önder is a symbol of democracy, peace and socialism,” the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) declared on Thursday, voicing deep concern over the critical illness of the pro-Kurdish politician and senior peace process mediator.
Önder, 62, currently Deputy Speaker of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party and a member of the İmralı delegation, was hospitalised earlier this week due to a serious heart condition. Doctors say he underwent 12 hours of emergency surgery and remains in intensive care.
In a statement issued by its Executive Council, the KCK described Önder as a “strategic figure” whose contributions to the Kurdish freedom movement and efforts toward peace with the Turkish state had lasting impact.
“He has carried out valuable work and contributed significantly to the development of the peace and democratic society process,” the KCK said. “Our hope is that he overcomes this ordeal and continues his struggle from where he left off.”
Known for his unique position at the intersection of politics, culture and activism, Önder rose to prominence during the 2013–2015 peace talks between the Turkish government and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), mediated in part through meetings with jailed PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan. Those talks collapsed in 2015, but recent months have seen increasing calls — particularly from the Kurdish movement — to revive dialogue.
“At a time when the democratic and political resolution of the Kurdish question is once again on the agenda,” the KCK said, “the sudden deterioration of the esteemed Sırrı Süreyya Önder’s health holds great strategic and moral significance.”
The group recalled Önder’s unique role as someone “known to society for his contributions to socialism and the struggle for democracy as well as his work in art and thought.” It added: “We will continue and intensify our efforts, both out of our belief in Leader Apo and the process he developed, and out of the value we place on our comrade.”
Önder was reportedly scheduled to meet the Minister of Justice just days after holding talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The timing of his health crisis has prompted the KCK to raise concerns over the possibility of foul play.
“Considering the role Sırrı Süreyya Önder plays in the political process, the current situation calls for a degree of suspicion,” the statement said, without naming any actors directly. “Internal and external forces opposed to peace and democratisation are well known.”
The group also pointed to Öcalan’s past warnings. “Leader Apo has repeatedly highlighted the possibility of such situations and urged everyone to act with caution and preparedness,” it said.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Önder’s condition, the KCK affirmed its commitment to continue the path he helped chart. “Our efforts for the success of the process — initiated with Leader Apo’s historic call for peace and shaped by Önder’s tireless work — will continue without interruption.”
Neither the Turkish government nor Önder’s party has commented on the political implications of his illness, though public support for him has poured in from across the country’s leftist and Kurdish communities.
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