Political scientist and human rights advocate Fatma Bostan Ünsal spoke to ANF about Abdullah Öcalan's call for "Peace and a Democratic Society" and the process that may unfold as a result.

Öcalan's role as an interlocutor is unequivocally accepted

Fatma Bostan Ünsal emphasized the importance of recognizing Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan as an interlocutor, particularly in a period when calls to end the phase of armed struggle are being discussed. She noted that, following Devlet Bahçeli's statements on 22 October 2024, Öcalan’s legitimacy as an interlocutor is no longer a matter of debate. "This situation demonstrates that Öcalan's role as an interlocutor has been firmly acknowledged by society," she said.

Ünsal also highlighted a significant point in the recent call, which stated that the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has found strength and a social base due to the closure of democratic political channels. She stressed that this statement should not be interpreted solely in the context of disarmament but also as a direct indication of the need to resolve the Kurdish issue.

Freedoms restricted under the pretext of counterterrorism

Ünsal stated that the prolonged conflict in Turkey has not only resulted in loss of life and economic damage, but has also made it easier to restrict the freedoms of the entire society under the pretext of ‘counterterrorism.’ She pointed out that, even before the events of July 15, the removal of parliamentary immunity for members of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) and the practice of appointing trustees were enabled within this framework.

Democratic political channels must be opened

Fatma Bostan Ünsal emphasized the necessity of opening democratic political channels, stating: "As explicitly mentioned in the call, the state and government must open democratic political channels and uphold freedom of expression and organization.

In this context, some immediate steps include ending the practice of appointing trustees, amending the legal framework that allows for such interventions, revising the Anti-Terror Law (TMK), which has been interpreted so broadly that even potato sellers were once labeled as ‘terrorists,’ and ensuring retrials for those affected by such laws. Additionally, despite the formal end of the state of emergency, governors must be restricted from immediately resorting to measures that resemble emergency rule."

The government remains secretive about the process

Ünsal stated that the government has been taking a secretive stance regarding the process. However, she noted that some indirect signs can be observed, citing developments such as Binali Yıldırım’s openness to constitutional amendments and Mehmet Metiner’s visit to Selahattin Demirtaş in prison as indications within this framework.

Expanding the space for dialogue is the success of the process

Ünsal stated that the most significant achievement of the process is the creation of an open space for discussion.  She said: "The fact that both general anti-democratic practices and, more specifically, issues related to the Kurdish question can now be discussed on a relatively broader platform marks a success of this process. However, the lack of legal reforms or concrete steps in practice remains a major shortcoming. No progress has been made on key issues such as trustee appointments, restrictions on freedom of expression and organization. We are still at the very beginning of this process."

She pointed out that the continuation of the trustee system, which directly violates the fundamental right to vote and be elected, along with the imprisonment of many Kurdish politicians due to their political activities and thousands more facing hundreds of lawsuits, significantly restricts the political rights of Kurds.

She added: "Similarly, the closure of thousands of civil society organizations in the region following the July 15 coup attempt has severely narrowed the social space. Restrictions on Kurdish-language education and cultural performances further highlight the many steps that still need to be taken in these areas."

The most crucial step of the process is the meeting with Öcalan

Fatma Bostan Ünsal stated that the way Abdullah Öcalan’s meeting was presented in the public sphere marks the most visible step of the process. She emphasized that this process will become clearer over time and underlined the necessity of making adjustments regarding Öcalan’s situation.

Provocations must be prevented

Ünsal emphasized that, as Öcalan stated, preventing provocations that could derail the process is essential. She highlighted that abolishing the trustee system and repealing legal regulations that violate freedom of expression are key steps needed to move forward. She further stated: "The enforcement provisions that already exist for sick and elderly prisoners must be implemented without further delay, and these individuals must be urgently released. Secondly, to prevent non-criminal acts from being categorized as ‘terrorism’ due to an overly broad interpretation of the term, as has been the case in many instances, the requirement that ‘terror’ activities must be directly linked to violence, an approach adopted during the early years of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), should be reinstated. Additionally, previous trials should be reviewed in accordance with this principle.

Such a step would also facilitate wider societal acceptance, as it would address the grievances of tens of thousands of people imprisoned on terrorism charges for non-criminal activities following the July 15 coup attempt. Thirdly, within the framework of the peace process, those convicted in cases involving ‘violence’ must also be granted the right to retrial."

The media must hold a key place in the peace process

Fatma Bostan Ünsal emphasized that the media should play a significant role in peace processes. However, she pointed out that in Turkey, the media has never taken a supportive stance when it comes to resolving conflicts. Recalling that during the headscarf ban, the media sided with state tutelage rather than the people, she noted that a similar approach has been taken regarding the Kurdish issue. In this process, she stated that the narrative initiated by the state and major media outlets close to the People's Alliance could contribute more effectively to the progress of the process.