Erdogan ally suggests peace with jailed Kurdish Leader Ocalan

Erdogan ally suggests peace to jailed Kurdish PKK leader Ocalan — A portrait of jailed Kurdish militant leader Abdullah Ocalan, 2014. Photo credit: Nora Miralles/flickr

ANKARA,— In a surprising development, Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and a key ally of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, proposed on Tuesday that Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), could be allowed to address the Turkish parliament.

This proposal comes with the condition that the Kurdish leader Ocalan renounces the PKK’s insurgency, which has persisted for nearly four decades.

Bahceli made this unexpected announcement during a parliamentary speech directed at MHP lawmakers, amid growing speculation about renewed efforts to resolve a long-standing conflict that has deeply affected Turkey. Ocalan, who founded the PKK in 1974, has been incarcerated since 1999, serving an aggravated life sentence on an isolated prison island near Istanbul.

“If the terrorist leader’s isolation is lifted, let him come and speak,” Bahceli stated, suggesting that Ocalan could address the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) in parliament. He emphasized that Ocalan should declare the end of terrorism and the disbandment of the PKK.

In return for such an announcement, Bahceli hinted at the possibility of Ocalan being granted the “right to hope,” which implies potential release from his lengthy imprisonment.

This statement is particularly striking given Bahceli’s history of vehemently criticizing Ocalan, the PKK, and pro-Kurdish politicians. His comments mark a significant shift in tone and have stirred discussions among lawmakers and observers regarding the future of the conflict.

The PKK initiated its armed struggle against the Turkish state in 1984, aiming to secure greater autonomy for the Kurdish population, which comprises approximately 22.5 million of Turkey’s 84 million citizens. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 40,000 individuals, predominantly Turkish soldiers and Kurdish guerrillas.

The PKK primarily targets Turkish military and government security facilities while actively avoiding civilian casualties, which they maintain as part of their strategy.

Ocalan remains a highly influential figure among many Kurds, both in Turkey and abroad. His ideological contributions to the Kurdish struggle for cultural rights and democracy have elevated him to a symbolic status. Despite being imprisoned, he continues to represent the aspirations of Kurdish communities for freedom and recognition.

From 2012 onwards, the Turkish government engaged in peace talks with Ocalan and the PKK, which were ultimately abandoned in July 2015, leading to a resurgence of violence and tensions in the region.

Despite Bahceli’s recent comments, he clarified that he does not believe a new peace process is necessary, insisting that the PKK must unconditionally surrender to Turkish authorities and serve their sentences. However, he also hinted at the potential for unspecified democratic reforms to be implemented.

The discussions surrounding Ocalan gained momentum with the reopening of parliament on October 1, as Bahceli was seen shaking hands with HDP lawmakers—a rare gesture that raised eyebrows given his usual antagonism toward them.

In response to Bahceli’s remarks, HDP co-leader Tulay Hatimogullari expressed the party’s willingness to facilitate a pathway to “an honorable peace.” Hatimogullari urged for Ocalan’s isolation to be lifted, asserting that he should be allowed to voice his views.

It has been reported that Ocalan has not been permitted to meet with his legal representatives or family for over 43 months, further complicating the situation surrounding his imprisonment. As Turkey navigates this complex political landscape, the potential for dialogue with Ocalan remains a topic of significant interest and concern.

(With files from Reuters | Agencies)