Tulay Hatimogullari, co-chair of the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), reiterated the need for immediate legal reforms and criticized the failure to advance the peace process over the past year, urging the government to immediately pass an inclusive framework law to secure a lasting, democratic resolution to the Kurdish issue.

During a press conference on Saturday, Hatimogullari marked the anniversary of a weapon-burning ceremony by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) as part of the ongoing peace process.

On July 11 last year, approximately 30 members participated in a symbolic ceremony at the entrance of Jasana Cave near Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region. 

The process, which began in late 2024, led to a parliamentary committee adopting a final report in February 2026 to recommend legislative steps for legal reforms and social integration. 

The report outlines a framework of legal reforms, enhanced political freedoms, and social integration measures to transform Turkey’s peace process into a permanent, non-violent political solution.

Hatimogullari Calls for Broad Peace Strategy 

Speaking at the press conference, Hatimogullari said the anniversary marked a “historic day for the Democratic Society Process,” noting that any steps taken toward peace within the region extend beyond Turkey to impact the broader Middle East. 

She stressed that the DEM Party would evaluate public expectations to expand the peace initiative and help establish the lasting democratization desired across the region.

“To establish peace, one must believe in peace from the heart. It is very important for this to turn into a societal strategy. At the same time, it is extremely important for the state to see and know this strategy of society and to take steps accordingly,” she added.

Party Co-Chair Calls Weapon Burning 'Gesture of Goodwill' 

Hatimogullari emphasized that the weapon-burning ceremony was a historic milestone representing a powerful Kurdish call for permanent peace. 

“The Kurdish issue cannot be trapped inside a security wall. If weapons are burning, the law cannot be delayed, and democratic politics cannot be criminalized,” she added.

The co-chair noted that while the irreversible destruction of weapons was a "gesture of goodwill" rare among global conflict resolution experiences, the past year "was not adequately utilized" to advance reforms. 

She argued that the state could have prepared a proper legal framework, ended trustee appointments, and released political prisoners.

Hatimogullari criticized the state for failing to enact promised reforms, noting that special laws remain unaddressed while political imprisonment continues despite European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rulings.

She further condemned the ongoing use of government trustees, arguing that the judiciary actively targets the political opposition rather than pursuing peace.

Stalled Reforms and Ocalan's Status in Peace Process 

“Particularly regarding Mr. Ocalan's conditions, there is no longer any explanation left. In terms of the process, this is not a secondary matter; it is a primary matter,” she said.

The co-chair underlined that it is “a strict requirement” to create the conditions for him to manage the peace process.

Upcoming Legislative Framework and July Deadlines 

Regarding the framework law, Hatimogullari underscored that it is expected to be enacted this month and “should not be delayed any further and should be passed as negotiated.” 

She emphasized that the proposed legislation should be an inclusive law focused on peace and resolution, rather than one featuring categorical distinctions or impositions that imply remorse.

“Let us utilize the month of July in the most accurate way. Let us ensure that the expected foundational law, the framework law, is enacted as soon as possible in a way that responds positively to expectations,” she said.