On Monday, sources informed Mezopotamya Agency that Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party MP Ömer Öcalan’s recent visit to İmralı Prison, where he met with his uncle Abdullah Öcalan, leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), was primarily a family visit rather than part of any structured peace process. The meeting, held on 23 October and lasting over an hour and a half, marked the first in-person contact with Abdullah Öcalan in 43 months. The Kurdish leader remains under strict isolation, with limited and sporadic contact allowed since his capture in 1999.
Speculation around the visit arose following recent remarks by Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli, who hinted at an openness to discussions on the Kurdish issue, sparking rumours of a renewed peace process. Bahçeli’s comments, alongside the timing of Ömer Öcalan’s visit, led to widespread debate in Turkish and Kurdish media. However, sources clarified that Ömer Öcalan’s visit was independent and aligned with previous family visits, rather than signalling a shift towards peace talks.
During the visit, Abdullah Öcalan reportedly shared observations on broader historical and socio-political issues but did not present any specific proposals or directives to the Turkish government or the PKK. According to Mezopotamya Agency’s sources, Öcalan acknowledged Bahçeli’s recent remarks, yet he refrained from interpreting them as a step towards active peace discussions. Instead, his statements reiterated his long-held stance that Kurdish issues require peaceful, democratic resolutions.
In response to claims from pro-government sources that Öcalan called on the PKK to disarm, sources clarified that while Öcalan expressed support for peaceful solutions, he did not issue a direct call for disarmament or discuss specific peace terms. Similarly, contrary to opposition media speculation suggesting the government and Öcalan had agreed on conditions for his release, sources stated that such proposals were not discussed.
The media’s portrayal of the visit has drawn criticism, with Mezopotamya Agency highlighting the contrasting narratives from both pro-government and opposition outlets. Some government-aligned sources suggested that Öcalan might be urging the PKK towards disarmament, while opposition outlets speculated that negotiations for Öcalan’s release could include international guarantees.
To address growing public interest and prevent further speculation, the DEM Party has called for transparency, suggesting that official records of the visit be made available. Party representatives argue that sharing accurate information will prevent misinformation and allow the public a clearer understanding of Abdullah Öcalan’s stance.
