“PKK [Kurdistan Workers’ Party] will undergo a transformation. It is not just the dissolution of an organisation; it is about evolving in line with democratic principles,” said Mustafa Karasu, a senior member of the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), in a televised interview with Medya Haber TV on Tuesday. His remarks mark a critical moment in the trajectory of the Kurdish movement, as he reaffirmed that the PKK will hold a congress to discuss strategic changes in response to Abdullah Öcalan’s 27 February call for a new political approach.
Karasu, a veteran of the Kurdish struggle, is widely regarded as a key ideological figure within the PKK leadership. His role in shaping the movement spans decades, from his involvement in its foundational period to his survival of the notorious Diyarbakır (Amed) Prison hunger strike in 1982, during which he endured 56 days of starvation while four of his fellow detainees lost their lives. His commitment to the Kurdish movement has remained unwavering, and his recent remarks provide insight into the direction PKK is set to take in response to Öcalan’s call.
“This is not an end; it is a new beginning for political engagement. PKK has built values and will carry these forward in a new format. The movement will not disappear, but it will take a different, more political, and democratic shape. The struggle will continue, and the commitment to our people remains unshaken.”
Addressing the PKK’s recent unilateral ceasefire declaration, Karasu urged the Turkish government to reciprocate. “We have declared a ceasefire. The state must also stop its attacks. If they do not, this will be an act of sabotage against peace,” he warned. He emphasised that peace requires mutual commitment.
“The end of armed conflict must be met with concrete steps from the other side. If the Turkish state continues its operations against Kurdish fighters, then it will be clear who is obstructing peace. We have extended our hand, and it must be met with sincerity.”
Karasu also touched on the ongoing debate regarding the ‘right to hope’, highlighting the legal status of Öcalan, who has been in absolute isolation since 2019. “The call has been made. Now, the legal and political conditions must be fulfilled. The right to hope is a fundamental human right, and it must be implemented,” he said, referring to legal standards requiring that prisoners serving long-term sentences be eligible for release after 25 years. He stressed Öcalan’s essential role in the peace process, stating:
“Öcalan’s role in the peace process is undeniable. He must be allowed to participate freely. The state cannot call for dialogue while keeping him under absolute isolation. His freedom is a necessity, not a matter of negotiation. If they truly seek a democratic resolution, they must start by recognising the leader of this movement.”
