Nationalist party officials declare Oct. 22 as milestone after Bahceli’s call on Ocalan
Turkiye's Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli makes a speech during his party's group meeting at the Turkish Grand National Assembly in Ankara, Turkiye on October 22, 2024. (AA Photo)
Following Chairman of the National Movement Party (MHP) Devlet Bahceli’s call to PKK terrorist leader Abdullah Ocalan, the first official response from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) came from Feti Yildiz, deputy chairman responsible for legal and election affairs.
Yildiz emphasized Bahceli’s reference to the concept of a “right to hope” and declared Oct. 22 a turning point in Turkish politics.
At group meeting on Tuesday, Bahceli made remarks that became the focus of Türkiye’s political agenda. Bahceli called on the imprisoned PKK leader Ocalan, suggesting that he should publicly announce the end of terrorism.
“To those who say nothing will happen unless the terrorist leader is involved, I say this: If his isolation is lifted, let him come and speak at the DEM Party group meeting in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. Let him declare that terrorism is completely over and that the organization is dissolved,” he said.
As Bahceli’s statements continued to dominate public discussion, MHP issued another significant response.
‘Oct. 22 is a milestone’
Yildiz stressed the importance of Bahceli’s remarks, calling Oct. 22 a key moment in Turkish politics. “October 22 is a milestone. From now on, political evaluations will be made as ‘before Oct. 22’ and ‘after Oct. 22,'” Yildiz said.
Concept of ‘right to hope’
Yildiz also discussed developments in modern criminal law, referring to the concept of a “right to hope.” He explained, “This concept refers to the right of a convict, sentenced to life imprisonment, to hope for eventual release.”
Bahceli’s mention of this concept during his speech is expected to spark further debate, especially regarding Ocalan’s future legal status.
Bahceli’s call to Ocalan, along with Yildiz’s emphasis on the “right to hope,” has already fueled new discussions about Türkiye’s counterterrorism efforts and the potential for broader political reforms.
