Terrorist group PKK to release Turkish public workers, claims prominent journalist

Following the call by PKK terrorist ringleader Abdullah Ocalan on Thursday to lay down arms and disband the organization, prominent journalist Cetiner Cetin from Haberturk shared a critical claim.

Cetin revealed on air that public employees abducted by the PKK terrorist organization will be released by March 20.

This development comes in the aftermath of Ocalan’s statement, which has sparked significant attention and discussions about potential shifts in the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.

What did Ocalan say?

Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed ringleader of the PKK terrorist group, issued a highly anticipated statement on Thursday, calling for an end to armed conflict. Ocalan called for PKK to lay down arms and end fighting against the state of Türkiye.

🔴 #BREAKING — "I call for laying down arms; the PKK and all armed groups should disband," says PKK terrorist ringleader Abdullah Ocalanhttps://t.co/KEBELWtq6R

— Türkiye Today (@turkiyetodaycom) February 27, 2025

Ocalan’s statement, delivered to a delegation from Türkiye‘s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) is seen as a potential turning point in the decadeslong terrorism. Ocalan said, “I am making a call on PKK to lay down arms. I take historical responsibility on this issue. Kurds and Turks should work together based on centuries-old alliance.”

The announcement follows weeks of speculation after multiple visits by DEM Party officials to Imrali Island, where Ocalan has been serving a life sentence since his capture in Kenya, in 1999.

🔴 #LATEST — Terrorist PKK ringleader Abdullah Ocalan writes message from Imrali, set to be published in Turkish, English, Arabic and Kurdish pic.twitter.com/MUK4vhotxY

— Türkiye Today (@turkiyetodaycom) February 27, 2025

Ocalan’s statement was read in Turkish, English, Arabic and Kurdish. Kurdish-oriented DEM Party member Pervin Buldan read Ocalan’s statement in Turkish.

The meeting marked the third direct contact between Ocalan and DEM Party representatives in recent months, fueling expectations that he would urge PKK terrorists to disarm.