ANKARA – Stating that Turkey is at a historic turning point, DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan said, “We said that Mr. Öcalan’s conditions for free communication, living and working must be established. What is everyone waiting for?”

 

The Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party organized a march in Ankara under the slogan “Gavek ji bo Aştiyê/Take a Step for Peace,” demanding legal and political steps within the framework of the Peace and Democratic Society Process.

 

A large crowd gathered in front of the Human Rights Monument on Yüksel Street and attempted to march toward Parliament Park. Police blocked the march, citing a lack of official permission. 

 

Protesters responded with slogans including “Open the barricade,” “Political prisoners are our honor,” and “Bê Serok jiyan nabe (No life without Leader).” Following negotiations, the crowd was allowed to march to Sakarya Square.

 

Speaking there, Bakırhan said Turkey is going through a historic process in which decades of conflict could be replaced by dialogue and negotiations. “Peace requires courage,” he said, calling for the release of political prisoners, the withdrawal of government-appointed trustees from municipalities and the implementation of ECHR and Constitutional Court rulings.

 

Bakırhan also criticized continued restrictions on the DEM Party and reiterated demands for improved conditions for Abdullah Öcalan. He said: “We said Mr. Öcalan’s free communication, living and working conditions must be established. What is everyone waiting for? We still do not understand.”

 

Bakırhan called for larger mobilizations and greater public participation: “If we can fill these squares with thousands and tens of thousands, then there will not be a single political prisoner left in prison, not a single trustee left in municipalities, and not a single person jailed for expressing their thoughts.”

 

He added that the government, which he accused of remaining silent for one and a half years, must immediately take the necessary steps for peace.

Bakırhan concluded by saying they would continue to demand democracy and freedoms across the country. “We promise to continue raising the voice of peaceful democracy and freedoms in Parliament and in the streets all across Turkey,” said Bakırhan and added: “I am grateful to all of you for defending such an honorable cause and for continuing to say peace despite everything.”