Murat Karayılan, a senior leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), has assessed the latest developments following Abdullah Öcalan’s ‘Call for Peace and a Democratic Society’ on 27 February, reaffirming the group’s readiness to implement the call, but warning they would continue to resist if Turkish military attacks persist. He stressed that Öcalan’s release is essential for him to lead the peace process and described the call for disarmament as a historic opportunity to end the long-running conflict.
Karayılan, speaking on Stêrk TV, accused the Turkish state of conducting a “psychological war” through misinformation and highlighted the PKK’s influence beyond its military role as a broader political and social movement. He framed this year’s Newroz celebrations as a crucial moment for Kurds to showcase their commitment to freedom and democratic representation, urging mass participation to send a message to the world.
Karayılan serves as a member of the PKK’s Executive Committee and the commander of the People’s Defence Centre (HSM), which oversees the group’s military operations. He also leads the People’s Defence Forces (HPG), the PKK’s armed wing, making him a key figure in the organisation’s military strategy.
In the interview, Karayılan stressed the need for the Turkish state to take steps towards a peace process, reporting on the continuing Turkish military attacks against guerrilla positions in the Medya Defence Zones in northern Iraq and saying that there must be a mutual effort in order to reach a solution to the Kurdish question in Turkey.
Karayılan highlighted the PKK’s stance on future developments, stating that they are “ready for peace” based on Öcalan’s disarmament call, but warned the group remain “ready for war” should the state fail to accept political reconciliation and continue its attacks.
He also highlighted the importance of freeing PKK founder Öcalan in order to advance the peace process in Turkey, stating that it would enable the PKK to make key decisions, such as calling and holding a congress, dissolving the party and laying down arms. He stressed that Öcalan’s participation in the congress is crucial for progress.
In his remarks, Karayılan addressed the issue of media manipulation during times of conflict. “There is a saying: ‘The first casualty of war is the truth,'” he said, accusing state-affiliated Turkish media of spreading disinformation and fake news. He further claimed that the casualty figures for Kurdish guerrillas, as reported by the Turkish state, are exaggerated and that such disinformation is part of a broader psychological warfare strategy.
The PKK executive committee member also highlighted the development of the Kurdish guerrilla’s military doctrine and capabilities, stating that the PKK has evolved into not just a military force but also a political power in the Middle East. “We can build relationships, but we can also defend ourselves against all kinds of attacks and move forward on our own,” he said.
Karayılan stressed that the PKK is primarily a social movement, but also a military and political force. He explained that “only 10 percent” of the PKK is focused on military activity, with the social organisation of the group being “strongest” in Kurdish-majority southeast Turkey.
He also highlighted the ongoing armed conflict between the Turkish military and Kurdish guerrillas, which has been raging since the Kurdish armed struggle began in 1984. “We haven’t been able to drive the state forces out of Kurdistan, nor have they been able to defeat us or take our positions,” Karayılan said, outlining the current stalemate.
Karayılan added that after 41 years of war, both the Turkish state and the PKK find themselves in a deadlock, a situation that benefits no one. He pointed to a historic opportunity for peace, following Öcalan’s peace call on 27 February.
In conclusion, the prominent figure called for widespread participation in this year’s Newroz (Kurdish New Year) celebrations on 21 March in Diyarbakır (Amed), often considered the capital of the Kurdish people in southeastern Turkey. He urged that this year’s turnout should surpass the 2014 Newroz, when over 1.5 million people gathered in Diyarbakır, stressing that the world must witness this “great festival of freedom and democracy”.
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