Long-time human rights activist, deputy speaker of Turkish parliament, and prominent member of DEM party Sırrı Süreyya Önder dies at age 62

ISTANBUL – Deputy speaker of Turkish Parliament, prominent member of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), and member of the Imrali Delegation, Sirri Süreyya Önder passed away this Saturday afternoon in an Istanbul hospital after have suffered heart failure on 15 April. His party mourned the death of its member, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of Önder. The party offered its deepest condolences via platform-X to the people of Turkey, Önder’s family, and his loved ones, stressing that the best way to honor his memory is to follow in his footsteps and persist his endless struggle for peace and justice, for which he risked his life many times.

Biography

Sırrı Süreyya Önder was born in 1962 in Ankara, to a family with Turkmen roots from Adiyaman Province. From his youth, he was a rebellious figure, known for his boldness in speaking the truth and his constant support for the poor and oppressed. He began his career as a journalist, writer, and film director, but quickly became a well-known figure in politics for his bold stances and defense of freedoms and human rights.

He was arrested several times during the long periods of repressive military rule in Turkey, especially after the 1980 coup, after which he remained in prison for several years. However, prison did not deter him from continuing his struggle; rather, it served as a platform for refining his intellectual and political convictions. He first entered the Turkish Parliament as an independent MP for Istanbul in the 2011 elections. He then became a prominent figure in the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) and later in the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), of which the Federation of Syriac Associations (Süryani Dernekler Federasyonu, SÜDEF) is a founding member.

Güle güle güzel insan.
Güle güle direnişlerin simgesi.
Umudu hiç eksilmeyen, yüzü hep gülen, hep güldüren adam.

Üzüntümüz sonsuz, ışıklar içinde uyu Sırrı Abi…. pic.twitter.com/xa77prNgLT

— Evgil Türker (@EvgilTrker) May 3, 2025

Thanks to his charisma and eloquence, he gained the respect of broad segments of Turkish society, among Syriacs, Kurds, Alevites, Turks, secularists,  and among politicians Left to Right.

Sırrı Süreyya Önder was known for his extensive efforts to strengthen Turkish democracy, promote social justice, and increase the inclusiveness and participation of all peoples living in Turkey in political, educational, judicial, and other fields of public life.

He also played a significant role in seeking a peaceful solution to the Kurdish issue. His most prominent political milestone was his leadership role in the “peace process” between the Turkish government and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) between 2013 and 2015. He was also a member of the Imrali Delegation, the civil and political body that communicated with Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan in his prison on Imrali Island.

Önder showed remarkable courage in mediating between the parties and was seen as a voice of reason calling for dialogue rather than violence. He presented himself as an example of a politician who believed that the pen and word are mightier than weapons. The passing of Sırrı Süreyya Önder is a great loss for everyone who believes in justice and peace in Turkey. His name will remain etched in the memory of the democratic struggle, as one of the few who chose to stand with humanity, no matter the cost.