Turkey’s far-right leader suggests parole for PKK’s Öcalan

The leader of Turkey’s far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Devlet Bahçeli, unexpectedly raised the suggestion that Abdullah Öcalan could be granted parole if he renounces violence and disbands the organisation. 

Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the militant Kurdish group Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), was sentenced to life in prison for founding and leading a terrorist organisation. 

“Let the terrorist leader … unilaterally declare that terrorism is over and that his organisation has been dissolved,” Bahçeli told parliament. 

This unexpected statement comes as President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Bahçeli’s ally, is reportedly seeking support from the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM). 

Currently, Turkey’s constitution limits Erdoğan, in power since 2003 as prime minister and later president, from running for office again unless early elections are called. 

Securing support from DEM, the third-largest party in parliament, could be key to pushing through constitutional changes. 

DEM has long called for improved conditions for Öcalan, who has been held in isolation on a prison island near Istanbul since 1999. 

The PKK, considered a terrorist organisation by Turkey and its Western allies, has waged an armed struggle for autonomy in the Mediterranean country’s southeast region since 1984. 

Mulling Öcalan’s release marks a significant shift for Bahçeli, who has previously taken a hardline stance against the PKK, strongly supporting military action against the group and opposing peace talks.

DEM and Öcalan’s legal representatives responded positively to Bahceli’s remarks, calling for an end to Öcalan’s imprisonment and for him to speak publicly.