PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan delivers video message to supporters

IMRALI, Turkey — Ahead of the scheduled disarmament on July 11, Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan issued a rare video message—the first of its kind in 26 years—from his prison cell on İmralı Island, where he has been held since 1999. In the video, broadcast by Firat News Agency, Öcalan reaffirmed his commitment to the “Peace and Democratic Society” call issued on February 27 and stressed the importance of continuing efforts in that direction. 

Öcalan described the current phase as extremely important and historic, stating: “The PKK was founded in response to the denial of Kurdish identity and aimed to establish an independent state. Today, that identity is recognized, and thus the fundamental goal has been achieved. Now, we must open a new chapter and adopt a new discourse.”

He emphasized that the current stage of armed struggle requires a fresh foundation based on reason and goodwill. Öcalan also called on the Turkish Parliament to establish a legal committee to address the next steps. Reflecting on his five decades of involvement in the armed struggle, Öcalan said he had prepared a work titled The Democratic Society Document, describing it as a significant new development, especially as the PKK is no longer demanding the establishment of an independent nation-state.

In his video message dated June 19 and recently released, Öcalan touched on the issue of his personal freedom, stating that he never viewed it as a central concern. He explained that individual freedom cannot be separated philosophically from the freedom of society, and that only through the liberation of society can individuals become free.

Öcalan’s message also included critical remarks on Turkey and the broader Middle East, asserting that the path toward democracy must continue to advance meaningfully.