Turkish Leader Proposes Öcalan’s Parole if Violence is Renounced

Unexpected Proposal for Öcalan’s Parole from Turkish Leader

The leader of Turkey’s far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Devlet Bahçeli, has made a surprising suggestion regarding Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned head of the militant Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Bahçeli stated that Öcalan could potentially be granted parole if he publicly renounces violence and formally disbands the PKK. Currently serving a life sentence for founding and leading this organization, Öcalan has been incarcerated since 1999, held in isolation on a prison island near Istanbul.

In a speech to parliament, Bahçeli declared, “Let the terrorist leader … unilaterally declare that terrorism is over and that his organisation has been dissolved.” This unprecedented statement arrives at a crucial moment as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Bahçeli’s political ally, is reportedly seeking collaboration from the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM).

Turkey’s constitution currently restricts Erdoğan, who has been in power since 2003—initially as prime minister and later as president—from running for office again unless early elections are called. Therefore, securing support from DEM, which stands as the third-largest party in parliament, may prove essential for pushing through necessary constitutional changes.

DEM has consistently advocated for improved conditions for Öcalan, reflecting a broader demand for Kurdish rights within Turkey. The PKK, recognized as a terrorist organization by Turkey and its Western allies, has been engaged in an armed struggle for autonomy in the southeast region of the Mediterranean country since 1984.

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This mulling over Öcalan’s release indicates a notable shift in Bahçeli’s stance, as he has historically adopted a hardline approach against the PKK, robustly advocating for military action and opposing peace negotiations. In response to Bahçeli’s remarks, both DEM and Öcalan’s legal representatives have positively welcomed the notion, urging for an end to Öcalan’s imprisonment and calling for him to be allowed to speak publicly.

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