Tuncer Bakırhan, co-chair of the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), spoke at his party's weekly parliamentary group meeting in the Turkish parliament about current political developments and the state of health of Sırrı Süreyya Önder.

Health condition of Sırrı Süreyya Önder

Bakırhan first provided information about the health condition of Sırrı Süreyya Önder, the deputy speaker of parliament and member of the Imrali delegation. The 62-year-old politician recently suffered a severe heart attack and remains in intensive care at an Istanbul hospital. Bakırhan emphasized that Önder's condition is stable and that he is fighting for his recovery. He thanked all political parties, institutions, and individuals for their expressions of solidarity and stressed the importance of this cross-party support.

Statements by Abdullah Öcalan

During yesterday's visit by the Imrali Delegation to the prison island of Imrali, PKK founder Abdullah Öcalan, who is imprisoned there, was informed about current developments. According to Bakırhan, Öcalan said that “there is an expectation that developments will take place in the coming weeks that will give momentum to the process.” Öcalan is optimistic and is working with high morale and energy on the ongoing processes, Bakırhan added.

Call for political initiative

Bakırhan emphasized the need for concrete steps to promote a peace process. He called on the government and the opposition to take joint measures to advance political normalization in Turkey. These include reforming the penal system, releasing political prisoners, and creating a democratic framework for resolving the Kurdish question.

Call for the lifting of Öcalan's isolation

One of Bakırhan's central concerns was the lifting of Abdullah Öcalan's isolation. He remarked that the Kurdish leader's current prison conditions were hindering a possible peace process and called on the government to create conditions that would allow Öcalan to actively participate in the dialogue. Bakırhan emphasized that improving Öcalan's prison conditions would also contribute to the overall democratization and stabilization of Turkey.

Appeal for a democratic future

In conclusion, Bakırhan called for this historic opportunity to be seized to establish a democratic and just society in Turkey. He urged all political actors to work together on a constitution that recognizes the diversity of society and protects the rights of all citizens. Bakırhan emphasized his party's willingness to actively participate in this process and take responsibility for the future of the country.