The Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) announced that it sent a letter regarding the European Court of Human Rights’ (ECHR) ruling on the violation of the “Right to Hope” concerning Abdullah Ocalan, urging European member states to address the issue.

The DEM Party’s Press Office said in a statement on Friday that Co-Chairs Tulay Hatimogullari and Tuncer Bakirhan delivered a letter to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

The statement noted that the letter is scheduled for discussion at next week's committee meeting.

Ocalan Issue ‘Closely’ Linked to Success of Peace Process 

“The letter calls on the Committee of Ministers to seriously address and resolve as soon as possible the decision that Mr. Abdullah Ocalan should also benefit from the Nelson Mandela Rules and the 'Right to Hope' principle, which are among the UN’s binding resolutions,” the DEM Party stressed.

The party emphasized that the issue is “closely related” to the ongoing peace process, which “must be addressed constructively by the Committee of Ministers while adhering to fundamental principles.”

Ongoing peace process and DEM Party’s call for Ocalan freedom 

Initiated in late 2024, the ongoing peace process has advanced through several pivotal phases, marked by high-level intermediary dialogues, Abdullah Ocalan’s landmark February 2025 disarmament directive, the formal dissolution of the PKK, and the recent codification of legislative frameworks by a specialized Turkish parliamentary commission.

Throughout the process, the DEM Party has consistently argued that Ocalan is the primary interlocutor for any lasting resolution, while other parties have formally demanded that Ocalan be designated as the chief negotiator in the ongoing peace process.

They maintain that his physical isolation on Imrali Island should be lifted, arguing that a successful transition, disarmament, and a democratic solution are impossible if he lacks the open communication infrastructure needed to engage with the public, state actors, and political intermediaries.

Ocalan also expressed readiness in a statement, declaring that he is ready to evaluate any proposal, criticism, and contribution to the peace process with 'the utmost care.'