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Kurdish-oriented DEM Party delegation travels to Imrali for meeting with Ocalan

DEM Party DEM Party Van MP Pervin Buldan and Istanbul MP Sırrı Sureyya Onder and DEM Party member Ahmet Turk (AA Photo)
By Newsroom
Feb 27, 2025 10:23 AM

A delegation from the Kurdish-oriented Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) traveled to Imrali Island Thursday to meet with Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned ringleader of the terrorist organization PKK.

The meeting marks the third such visit by the party and was authorized by Türkiye’s Ministry of Justice.

Delegation members and visit details

According to a statement from the DEM Party, the seven-member delegation includes Ahmet Turk, Pervin Buldan, Sirri Sureyya Onder, Tulay Hatimogullari, Tuncer Bakirhan, Cengiz Cicek, and Faik Ozgur Erol.

The visit was approved as part of ongoing discussions concerning political developments in the region.

The delegation is expected to hold a press conference in Istanbul at 5:00 p.m. local time to provide details about the meeting and its outcomes.

Kurdish-oriented DEM Party delegation travels to Imrali for meeting with Ocalan
DEM Party Co-Chairs Tulay Hatimogulları (2nd right) and Tuncer Bakirhan (2nd left) attended the ‘Meeting of Religious Scholars’ organized at a hotel in Taksim (AA Photo)

Justice Ministry authorizes the meeting

The Ministry of Justice confirmed its approval for the DEM Party’s third meeting with Ocalan, signaling a continuation of discussions previously initiated.

The party had initially indicated that the meeting would occur on Feb. 28.

Anticipated statements, political implications

The DEM Party leadership has called for all its members of parliament and provincial heads to gather in Ankara for a broader discussion following the meeting.

The visit is expected to be a focal point in Türkiye’s political discourse, focusing on any potential messages from Ocalan.

Kurdish-oriented DEM Party delegation travels to Imrali for meeting with Ocalan
DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakirhan attended the Turkish Parliament Group Meeting and made a speech (AA Photo)

The party has announced that the delegation will provide a full briefing on their discussions with Ocalan at a press conference scheduled for 5:00 p.m. local time in Istanbul.

Last Updated:  Feb 27, 2025 10:56 AM