Abdullah Öcalan’s “Call for Peace and a Democratic Society,” delivered on 27 February through the delegation of the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) that visited him in Imralı Prison, remains on the agenda. Although support for Öcalan’s call continues to grow, the state and government authorities have yet to take any concrete steps.

Kerem Canpolat, co-chair of the Federation of Legal Aid and Solidarity Associations for the Families of Detainees and Convicts (TUHAD-FED), said in an interview with ANF: "It is difficult to even define the current process because there are essential steps that need to be taken, and yet they are not being taken. In particular, Mr. Öcalan made bold and courageous statements during the 2013 and 2015 processes. Unfortunately, that period was squandered. It became a process in which both sides lost. The call Mr. Öcalan made on 27 February, contained perspectives that concerned not only Turkey and Kurdistan, but the entire Middle East, perspectives that could pave a way out of the current crisis."

Canpolat added that "this call has created great hope among all segments of society. One of the aims of the struggle we are waging is the development of peace, namely the end of bloodshed and war in Turkey. This struggle is about reversing the current negative trajectory in Turkey in a way that benefits both Kurds and Turks. At a moment of deep political deadlock, Abdullah Öcalan made a profoundly significant and positive statement.”

No process can move forward unilaterally

Canpolat said that the state must take immediate, positive, and concrete steps. He added: "Since the first peace process, the state has not taken a single positive step. From mass arrests to the systematic violation of legal norms, we have faced countless injustices. Despite this, after twelve years, the Kurdish side has taken a very significant step through Mr. Öcalan. A call was made for the guns to fall silent in Turkey, in an effort to turn a deeply negative phase into a hopeful one. This is an immensely valuable call. Unfortunately, nearly two months have passed since the statement, yet the state has not taken any steps. Progress can only occur through mutual steps taken by both sides. Based on past experiences, the Kurdish people have a deep-rooted distrust and skepticism towards the state. The state must act without delay. And the first condition for such an action is the physical freedom of Mr. Öcalan. Mr. Öcalan must be free and able to guide the process. Without mutual steps, a process based on one-sided sacrifices will not lead to a positive outcome."

A faction within the state benefits from war

Canpolat pointed out that a small faction within the state continues to profit from war and said: "This group benefits from war and destruction. But now, all of us must stand on the side of peace. When there is peace, both the state and the people will benefit. If the budget currently spent on war were allocated to Turkey’s social structure, we would witness tremendous progress. Unfortunately, there is a five percent segment within the state that insists on continuing war and conflict. We believe that Turkey must distance itself from the conflict and warfare in the Middle East. To achieve this, a table must be set with the Kurds, and a democratic solution must be found to the Kurdish question. The rights of the Kurdish people must be resolved on a legal and legitimate basis."

Mr. Öcalan’s physical freedom must be ensured without delay

Canpolat said that Abdullah Öcalan’s physical freedom must be secured as soon as possible in order for the peace process to move forward in a positive direction and concluded with the following remarks: "The state itself acknowledges and declares that Abdullah Öcalan is a founding leader. With a single statement, the atmosphere in Turkey has shifted in a positive direction over the past two months. Even without any steps taken by the state, there is a sense of relief.

If Mr. Öcalan were free and able to lead the process from outside prison, everyone would stand to gain. The state already recognizes Mr. Öcalan as the official interlocutor and conducts negotiations with him. There is no justification for keeping such a person in prison. Mr. Öcalan must be released without further delay. All segments of society in Turkey and Kurdistan consider Mr. Öcalan’s words are valuable and support his calls. It is senseless for someone who holds such a crucial position to remain behind bars. This is an act of cruelty. Moreover, he is being held under severe isolation. Despite all these injustices, he continues to struggle for peace. We believe that Mr. Öcalan’s words, ideas, and philosophy must be embraced and utilized."