Ministry of Justice approves DEM Party’s request: 7-Member delegation to visit Ocalan tomorrow

Türkiye’s Ministry of Justice has approved the country’s second largest opposition party, the Kurdish-oriented Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) delegation’s request to visit imprisoned PKK ringleader Abdullah Ocalan on Imrali Island prison for the third time on Wednesday. The visit is scheduled for tomorrow, February 27, with the delegation now consisting of seven members.

Aysegul Dogan, the spokesperson for the DEM Party, had previously announced that the party applied for permission to visit Imrali Island which was approved by the Ministry of Justice on the same day.

The delegation this time includes prominent members of the party, including DEM Party co-chairs Tulay Hatimogullari and Tuncer Bakirhan, as well as deputies Ahmet Turk, Cengiz Cicek, Faik Ozgur Erol, Sirri Sureyya Onder and Pervin Buldan. Following the meeting on February 28, the DEM Party will hold a comprehensive press conference to share the results of the visit and the announcement of Ocalan to lay down arms.

Aysegul Dogan has emphasized that the party believes it would be highly beneficial for the meeting with Ocalan to be conducted through video. She expressed anticipation of a significant historical statement from Ocalan, adding, “We are on the brink of a new life.”

Justice Minister Tunc comments on possibility of a Ocalan video message

Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc has responded to questions regarding the potential for Abdullah Ocalan’s message to be delivered via video. Speaking to reporters about the DEM Party’s upcoming visit, Minister Tunc stated that it would not be in compliance with current regulations for a prisoner to communicate through video from prison.

He emphasized that the rules governing how prisoners communicate with their lawyers and family members are clear and do not allow for video communication from within prisons.

Tunc elaborated on the broader context of these discussions, acknowledging that the government has been actively working towards a “terror-free Türkiye.” He referenced a speech by Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli and emphasized that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s stance aligns with efforts to end terrorism in Türkiye.

Minister Tunc reaffirmed that the country has endured significant losses due to terrorism over the past 40 years, including the deaths of soldiers and civilians, and that eliminating terrorism remains one of Türkiye’s primary goals.

He also noted that a potential change in legislation regarding video communication with prisoners is unlikely at this time. “Once the DEM Party’s meeting takes place tomorrow, we will assess the situation and provide further comments. However, there is no current plan to change the regulations.”

Live broadcasts in Diyarbakir and Van

The meeting between the DEM Party delegation and Abdullah Ocalan will be followed by a press conference in Istanbul, which will be broadcast live.

The broadcast will be available in Diyarbakir’s Dagkapi Square and in Van’s Kent Square, where LED screens will be set up for public viewing.