Öcalan released a 7-minute video. This is historic and provides food for thought for commentators on TV and YouTube. But I feel like people have already moved on to the other issues. There was much talk about the brand of the T-shirt Öcalan was wearing, rather than political debates on social media – of course, this is a safer haven.
The historic 7-minute video featuring Abdullah Öcalan was filmed inside İmralı Prison and included several other inmates. The identities of those present are as follows:
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Center (front, main) | Abdullah Öcalan |
| Seated to Öcalan’s right | Hamili Yıldırım |
| Seated to Öcalan’s left | Veysi Aktaş |
| Standing, far left | Ergin Atabey |
| Standing, second left | Mahmut Yamalak |
| Standing, second right | Zeki Bayhan |
| Standing, far right | Ömer Hayri Konar |
All six individuals appearing with Öcalan are also inmates at İmralı Prison. Their inclusion in the video is widely interpreted as a sign of collective support for the message and the broader peace process123.
Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), released a seven-minute video—the first such appearance in 26 years—just ahead of a symbolic PKK disarmament ceremony. In the video, Öcalan:
Declared the end of the PKK’s armed struggle against Turkey, calling it a “historic gain” rather than a defeat.
Emphasized that the PKK’s main objective—recognition of Kurdish existence—had been achieved, and that continued armed conflict would be “repetition and a dead end.”
Urged a voluntary transition from armed struggle to democratic politics and law, calling for Turkey’s parliament to establish a commission to oversee disarmament and manage a comprehensive peace process.
Introduced the idea of a “Democratic Society Manifesto” to replace the PKK’s foundational doctrine, advocating for democratic integration and collaboration over separatism or violence.
Stated that his own freedom is not a personal matter, but tied to the broader social context, and did not make any personal demands for release123456.
1.
described the development as “historic good news,” asserting that Turkey is “liberating itself from a decades-old affliction” and “severing the bloody chains” of conflict.
The government emphasized its commitment to ensuring the disarmament process is not undermined and has maintained a firm stance that there will be no amnesty for Öcalan or other PKK prisoners.
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç noted that there is no legal framework for a prisoner to broadcast a public video, and state media did not air the message247.
2.
The DEM Party, the third-largest in parliament, played a key role in facilitating the PKK’s disarmament decision and welcomed the video as a critical step for peace.
DEM stressed the importance of the message being a video (not just text) for credibility and called for all political actors to engage constructively in the peace process.
DEM expects the government to address Kurdish political demands as part of the process284.
3.
The PKK, following Öcalan’s earlier written appeal, had already decided in May to disband and renounce armed conflict.
The video was seen as a symbolic but crucial gesture that ratified the end of armed struggle and the transition to political methods.
Kurdish activists and supporters largely greeted the video with approval, viewing it as a legitimate and historic pivot toward peaceful political engagement186.
4.
Nationalist and conservative parties expressed skepticism, warning against legitimizing the PKK or making political concessions.
Some opposition figures argued that the government should remain vigilant and not allow the peace process to be used for political gain or to weaken state authority.
5.
Western governments and international media broadly welcomed the call for disarmament, viewing it as a potentially pivotal moment for regional stability.
The EU, US, and other observers emphasized the need for a transparent, inclusive peace process, while reiterating their designation of the PKK as a terrorist organization29.
: Large crowds reportedly celebrated the video message, seeing it as a step toward peace and recognition of Kurdish rights.
: Reactions were mixed. Some segments welcomed the end of violence and the prospect of peace; others remained distrustful of the PKK’s intentions and skeptical of the government’s handling of the process.
Victims’ families and nationalist groups: Expressed concern about justice and accountability, emphasizing the need for legal redress for past violence1011.
| Stakeholder | Reaction Summary |
|---|---|
| Turkish Government | Historic step, no amnesty, determined to control process |
| DEM Party | Welcomed as critical, urges inclusive peace process, expects political reforms |
| PKK/Kurdish Movement | Seen as legitimate, historic pivot to politics, supports disarmament |
| Opposition Parties | Skeptical, warn against concessions, stress state vigilance |
| International Actors | Cautiously optimistic, call for transparency, reaffirm PKK as terrorist group |
| Kurdish Public | Largely supportive, hopeful for peace and rights |
| Broader Turkish Public | Mixed: hope for peace vs. distrust and calls for justice |
Öcalan’s video is widely regarded as a turning point, but its ultimate impact will depend on the responses of all stakeholders and the implementation of concrete steps toward peace128467.php
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