PKK’s Cemil Bayik: we are calling for a law of freedom and democracy for all peoples

QANDIL, Beth Nahrin — Despite the rapid developments in the conflict between the Turkish government and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which announced its dissolution, disarmament, and the beginning of a democratic peace process based on a message sent by the PKK’s imprisoned leader, Abdullah Öcalan, the party’s steps of goodwill have so far not been met with real concrete steps by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. In fact, some of Erdoğan’s statements have directly contradicted his actions, including bombardments of PKK positions and arrest campaigns targeting officials and members of opposition parties in Turkey.

Cemil Bayik, co-chair of the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), stated that it is no longer possible to conduct any form of politics without Öcalan. He emphasized that the image the Turkish government is trying to create — that it has defeated the PKK — is false and meaningless. He added that certain circles and parties in Turkey thrive on their hostility toward Öcalan and the PKK, but as time passes, they are losing their opportunity, which drives them to continue attacks and acts of sabotage.

Bayik added that all the steps taken so far were initiated by Öcalan himself, contrary to the Turkish government’s portrayal that it is the one leading the process and that the PKK is acting at its behest. He stressed that the party has fulfilled its obligations, and now it is the Turkish government’s turn to take concrete steps to move the peace process forward — starting with lifting the isolation imposed on Öcalan. He underlined that without this, no one has the right to demand any further steps from the PKK.

Commenting on Erdoğan’s recent statements, Bayik said they contained a small amount of positivity and a great deal of negativity. Erdoğan excluded all other parties from the peace process and merely promised to form a parliamentary committee composed of three parties: the Justice and Development Party (Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi, AKP), the Nationalist Movement Party (Milliyetçi Hareket Partisi, MHP), and the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (Halkların Eşitlik ve Demokrasi Partisi, DEM Party).

Related: After PKK lays down arms… Erdoğan outlines his vision for new phase of peace in the land 

Bayik also described the recent crackdown on the Republican People’s Party (CHP) as an attempt to sabotage the peace process. 

Regarding their demands, Bayik clarified: “We are not asking for an amnesty law; we are calling for a law of freedom and democracy for all peoples. If steps of this nature are taken, then we will respond accordingly. Otherwise, we will not accept any impositions or dictates, and everyone should be aware of that.”