13/01/2025

DEM Party delegation visits imprisoned Kurdish leaders, reaffirms commitment to peace in Turkey

ANKARA — A delegation from the Peoples’ Equality and Democratic Party (Halkların Eşitlik ve Demokrasi Partisi, DEM Party) visited former Peoples’ Democratic Party (Halkların Demokratik Partisi, HDP) Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş and former Co-Chair of the Diyarbakır Municipality Adnan Selçuk Mizraklı at Edirne Prison. The visit aimed to strengthen efforts toward peace and reconciliation between peoples in Turkey.

After the meeting, the delegation — comprised of Sırrı Süreyya Önder, Pervin Buldan, and Ahmet Türk — addressed reporters, assuring that both Demirtaş and Mizraklı were in good health and high spirits. The imprisoned leaders expressed unwavering support for advancing peace and urged progress without hesitation.

A Unified Front for Peace

The delegation underscored the unity among party members, intellectuals, and artists in supporting the peace initiative, reflecting a broad consensus across diverse political and cultural perspectives. They announced plans to issue a comprehensive statement in Ankara after further discussions, including an upcoming meeting with former HDP Co-Chair Figen Yüksekdağ.

When asked about the possibility of a meeting in İmralı Prison, delegation member Sırrı Süreyya Önder stated that while no date had been confirmed, he remained optimistic about its likelihood.

Ahmet Türk emphasized the deep historical ties between Turkish and Kurdish communities, citing “a thousand years of shared brotherhood.” He expressed hope that this bond would be renewed, paving the way for Turkey to emerge as a democratic example for the Middle East.

Commitment to the Peace Process

Pervin Buldan concluded by highlighting the delegation’s optimism following the visit. She noted Demirtaş and Mizraklı’s steadfast commitment to supporting the peace process under all circumstances, describing their stance as a cornerstone for the party’s efforts and the broader reconciliation initiative.

This visit represents a pivotal step in promoting dialogue and advancing the vision of reconciliation, unity, and democracy in Turkey.