Sırrı Süreyya Önder, a senior member of Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, remains in critical but stable condition after undergoing emergency open-heart surgery in İstanbul earlier this week.
The 62-year-old politician, known for his role in past Kurdish peace efforts, was admitted to Florence Nightingale Hospital late on 15 April after suffering severe chest pain. Doctors diagnosed a rupture in his aortic artery and performed a 12-hour surgery involving bypass and valve replacement procedures. He has remained in intensive care since the operation.
A hospital statement released on 18 April confirmed that Önder’s condition remains unchanged and that he continues to receive treatment for heart complications and inflammation. “His condition remains high-risk,” the hospital said.
Speaking outside the hospital on Friday, DEM Party spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan said Önder’s medical team had successfully stabilised his condition, though the threat to his life had not passed. “He is doing what he knows best—resisting,” she stated, describing the current phase as part of a longer recovery process.
https://www.demparti.org.tr/tr/aysegul-dogan-sirri-sureyya-onder-en-iyi-bildigi-seyi-yapiyor-direniyor/21907/
The hospital has been the site of ongoing solidarity visits from across Turkey’s political and civil spectrum. Representatives from multiple parties—including the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), the Labour Party (EMEP), and the Workers’ Party of Turkey (TİP)—have visited in recent days. Prominent politicians such as Ahmet Türk and Sebahat Tuncel were also among those present.
“This broad support shows the kind of unity Turkey needs,” said Doğan. “Sırrı Süreyya Önder continues to bring people together—even in the midst of a health crisis.”
In a symbolic move to ease pressure on the hospital, the DEM Party’s İstanbul branch has opened its offices to receive well-wishers, acknowledging the strain placed on medical facilities during the visits. “People come here for healthcare. We must not disrupt that,” Doğan explained.
In a further show of solidarity, members of the Peace Mothers—a group of women known for advocating a non-violent resolution to the Kurdish conflict—visited Sırrı Süreyya Önder at the hospital where he is receiving treatment. Welcomed by DEM Party officials, the group received updates on Önder’s condition and expressed their support directly to his family, including his brother Ali Önder. During the visit, Peace Mothers also met with DEM Party Co-Chair Tülay Hatimoğulları, underlining their continued commitment to dialogue and peace amid the ongoing health crisis.
Önder, who has served as an MP for several terms and is recognised for his efforts in previous and ongoing state-Kurdish peace dialogues, is widely respected beyond party lines. His condition has prompted expressions of concern and support from across Turkey.
Party officials have urged the public to avoid speculation and rely on verified updates from medical staff. “We are all waiting together, hopefully, and with care,” Doğan said.
Önder’s daughter Ceren had earlier described her father as a “fighter”, a sentiment echoed by party colleagues. “He is resisting—as always,” Doğan concluded.
