Jailed PKK Leader Urges Group to Disband in ‘Historic’ Call

The imprisoned leader of the PKK terrorist group, Abdullah Öcalan, has issued a landmark call for the group to lay down its arms and dissolve itself, aligning with Türkiye’s terror-free initiative launched last year.

“As any contemporary community or party that has not been forcibly dissolved would voluntarily do, I urge you to convene your congress, integrate with the state and society, and make a decision: all groups must lay down their arms, and the PKK must dissolve itself,” Öcalan stated.

His message was read publicly in Istanbul on Thursday by a delegation from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), which visited him at Imralı Island prison.

A Turning Point in Türkiye’s Counterterrorism Efforts

Öcalan’s call comes amid a government-backed initiative to eliminate terrorism within Türkiye. The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader, Devlet Bahçeli, first proposed the concept in October 2023, gaining support from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other political figures.

“The call made by Mr. Devlet Bahçeli, along with the determination expressed by Mr. President and the positive approaches of other political parties, has created this climate,” Öcalan acknowledged.

Despite persistent counterterrorism operations in Türkiye, Syria, and Iraq, government officials downplayed suggestions that this announcement signals the end of the initiative, emphasizing that Türkiye remains committed to eradicating terrorist threats.

Öcalan’s Justification for the PKK’s Dissolution

Öcalan framed his appeal in historical and ideological terms, stating that the PKK emerged from the Cold War era, shaped by the denial of Kurdish identity and state restrictions on freedom of expression. However, he argued that shifting political conditions and expanded rights have rendered the group obsolete.

“The collapse of real socialism in the 1990s, the erosion of identity denial in the country, and advancements in freedom of expression have led to the PKK’s loss of meaning,” he explained.

He stressed that the second century of the Turkish Republic should be built on democracy and unity, rejecting any path outside democratic consensus.

Political and Public Reactions

Öcalan’s message was broadcast on giant screens in southeastern Türkiye, where the DEM Party has significant support. The press event, widely promoted as the “call of the century”, also featured the release of a new photo of Öcalan, marking his first public image in years.

Meanwhile, government officials dismissed speculation that this statement signals an end to counterterrorism operations. AK Party Deputy Chair Efkan Ala reaffirmed that unless the PKK fully disbands, the fight against terrorism will persist.

“If the terrorist organization evaluates this call, lays down its weapons, and disbands, it will free Türkiye from its shackles,” Ala stated.

Security sources hinted that if the PKK ignores Öcalan’s directive, the Turkish military may escalate counterterrorism operations, both domestically and abroad.