A major development has taken place within the framework of the "Peace and Democratic Society Process," launched to resolve the Kurdish question and promote democratization. Abdullah Öcalan addressed the public for the second time from Imrali Prison. In the video message, Öcalan called for a “democratic transition” in Turkey. As the first video message sent by Öcalan after 26 years in isolation reached the public, it resonated not only across Turkey but also drew significant attention internationally.

Residents of Amed (Diyarbakır), who watched the video and heard his voice for the first time in 26 years, spoke to ANF about the emotional weight of the moment.

The Kurdish people want nothing but peace

Selahattin Er, emphasized that they had witnessed a historic moment and said: “The liberation of the Middle East lies in Abdullah Öcalan’s paradigm. If peace is to come to the Middle East, it will be achieved through the perspective Öcalan has developed. The salvation of the peoples is here. What Öcalan said in 1993 is exactly what he is saying today. Those who want this war should know very well that the Kurdish people want nothing but peace. The Kurdish people stand with their leader and trust him. Turkey has no other path but peace. The salvation of the peoples is in Öcalan’s perspective. We believe in this. Let all this oppression end, and let all problems, starting with the prisons, be resolved.”

We trust in Abdullah Öcalan

Er expressed the excitement they felt upon hearing Abdullah Öcalan’s voice: “It is very difficult to describe what we felt. This people has longed for Mr. Öcalan’s voice and face for years. When Mr. Öcalan is free, all people will be free. As long as he is not free, the Middle East will not be free. We no longer want war and death. We trust in Mr. Öcalan and in his paradigm. Because until now, Mr. Öcalan has never deceived his own people or any other people.”

Abdullah Öcalan is trying to save the peoples from war

Mecit Turgay said, “I was deeply moved and excited after hearing Mr. Öcalan’s voice. As someone from Kurdistan, I was truly happy. Hearing my leader speak live for the first time in 26 years made me incredibly emotional. I say this openly, my eyes filled with tears. I am so glad to have witnessed this historic moment. Everyone must truly understand the value and significance of this message.

Today, Mr. Öcalan is trying to protect his people, just like Prophet Noah. We must grasp this clearly. I hope the Turkish state approaches this with sincerity. Turkey must respond urgently and genuinely to Mr. Öcalan’s sincerity. The right to hope must be implemented immediately. Mr. Öcalan must be freed as soon as possible. Abdullah Öcalan wants to save his people and the Middle East from war.”

The state must initiate the legal process

Mehmet Şener expressed hope for the peace process: “We believe good things will happen. Everyone is excited. We want this decades-long conflict to come to an end. The state must urgently initiate the legal process.”

Hearing his voice gave us all strength

Burak Bektaş emphasized the urgent need for peace in the region: “We welcomed Mr. Öcalan’s message with excitement. Hearing his voice gave us all strength. We now want peace on these lands. The state must take immediate steps. We do not want this process to end up like the previous ones.”