Türkiye’s main opposition leader meets jailed former Kurdish nationalist party co-chair

Ozgur Ozel, leader of Türkiye‘s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), visited Selahattin Demirtas, the former co-chair of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), who is currently imprisoned. After the visit on October 21, 2024, Ozel stated, “If Türkiye is to resolve its issues, lay down arms, and stop the suffering of mothers, then all stakeholders are essential.”

Visit with CHP delegation

Ozel was accompanied by CHP officials, including Edirne MP Ahmet Baran Yazgan, Diyarbakir MP Mustafa Sezgin Tanrikulu, Malatya MP Veli Agbaba, and Edirne Provincial Chair Harika Taybilli. During the visit, Demirtas’s lawyers presented Ozel with a call to action titled “We Hear the Cries of Women,” along with one of Demirtas’s books.

Following a visit that lasted approximately 2.5 hours, Ozel expressed sadness regarding the political history of Türkiye and emphasized the need for social peace, stating, “Once people in Türkiye learn to love one another, we will collectively ensure social peace.”

Visits to eastern and southeastern provinces

Ozel highlighted the political significance of his visits, noting that this meeting with Demirtas marked the first of six planned visits to Eastern and Southeastern Türkiye over six days. He underscored, “All stakeholders are crucial. However, the importance of figures like Demirtas must be clearly acknowledged.”

Comments on Fetullah Gulen’s death

Ozgur Ozel also addressed the death of Fetullah Gulen, the leader of the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO). He remarked, “He will have to account for his actions in the afterlife, and we wished he could do so in Turkish courts, but that did not happen.” Ozel emphasized the pain and betrayals left behind by Gulen, stating, “Everyone must remain vigilant against this insidious organization.”

Ozgur Ozel noted that he and Demirtas discussed various issues facing Türkiye, including the economy, justice, and the protection of women and children. He stressed the significance of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, asserting, “Nothing can succeed without the Assembly being at the forefront; this will hold true in the future as well.”