Ankara-Ayşe Gül Doğan called on everyone to take their responsibilities seriously, stressing that the parliamentary committee must address this issue — which concerns all segments of society — without leaving room for ambiguity or controversy.

Ayşe Gül Doğan, spokesperson for the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM), shared her assessments during a press conference held yesterday at the party’s headquarters, following the meeting of the Central Executive Committee (MYK).

Regarding the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruling on former HDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş, Doğan described the decision as a significant precedent for other politicians, emphasizing that the entire case is rooted in political revenge. “We have said from the beginning that this is an act of retaliation with no legal or judicial explanation. There is no crime, not even reasonable suspicion - nothing at all. What can something nonexistent be, if not political vengeance?” she said.

She added that both domestic and international law, as well as public opinion, affirm this assessment. “What more is needed to release them? Why are those who have been unjustly and unlawfully imprisoned for years still not freed?” she asked, stressing that this is purely a political case. “Let’s be honest -the judiciary in this country operates under political instructions, and that has always been the case,” she added.

Doğan underscored the need for justice: “The only thing left is to uphold justice. We must restore hope and confront the blows dealt to democracy. We can only achieve this through justice. How can we make up for lost time? By fulfilling the requirements of the law. The normalization of life in Turkey and the establishment of social peace depend on adherence to the law. We’ve always said this case no longer burdens us - and it never will again.”

Legal Framework and Structural Reforms

Referring to the call of leader Abdullah Öcalan, the PKK conference, the disarmament ceremonies, and the withdrawal steps from Turkey, Doğan criticized the lack of legal progress despite these major initiatives. “We’ve confirmed that these developments are happening, yet nothing changes on the ground. Seriousness can only be proven through concrete legal steps. But what’s actually happening? Where are the efforts to establish the legal framework? Neither the public nor we know - the committee has yet to convene,” she said.

“Bold Steps Are Needed”

Doğan also drew attention to recent statements by MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli and AKP leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, both calling for the committee to hear all parties. She questioned why the committee has not yet met or evaluated the urgent agenda, stressing that their persistence stems from the fact that Abdullah Öcalan is not only the founder of the Kurdish freedom movement but also an active leader striving - despite limited means - to resolve a deep-rooted issue through principles of equal brotherhood, complete disarmament, and comprehensive strategic transformation.

“Will we continue to delay without listening to the real actors? Without conveying their views to the committee? Without opening direct communication channels? Or will we take bold steps to accelerate the process?” she asked, emphasizing that Turkey now needs courageous political action and decisive steps toward a solution.

She reiterated the need for collective responsibility: “We said we must act responsibly and bravely - and we feel the need to repeat this call. The parliamentary committee must now address this issue that all segments of society are debating. The ruling party must clearly state its position without leaving any room for ambiguity; otherwise, discussions will only multiply.” She added, “The political administration must show courage -that’s the voice we want and need to hear. It’s time to listen to Mr. Abdullah Öcalan.”

In conclusion, Doğan expressed hope that the relevant committee will visit İmralı Island, stressing the need to change the conditions under which Abdullah Öcalan is being held. She stated that improving these conditions is a key step toward progress in the political process and called for concrete measures to ensure direct communication and engagement with the key actors in the issue.