Imprisoned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) founder Abdullah Ocalan has issued a strong warning against any delay in formalizing the peace process with the Turkish government, emphasizing that prolonged inaction could heighten instability across the country.
In a message conveyed on May 25, 2026, through a visiting delegation of pro-Kurdish DEM Party lawmakers, Ocalan stressed the urgent need to establish a solid legal foundation for ongoing reconciliation efforts. Speaking from Imrali prison, where he has been held since 1999, Ocalan stated, “All these efforts must be grounded in a legal framework,” and cautioned that “remaining in a state of expectation, or prolonging that state, only generates risk.” He added, “We have no time to lose,” underscoring the critical nature of moving forward without further delay.
The warning comes one year after the PKK officially renounced its armed struggle against the Turkish state—a conflict that spanned four decades and resulted in the deaths of at least 50,000 people on both sides. The group’s shift from violence to political engagement was seen as a pivotal moment in Turkey’s long-standing Kurdish issue, raising hopes for a negotiated resolution.
However, Ocalan’s call for urgency coincides with escalating political tensions in Ankara. On May 24, 2026, riot police forcibly dispersed supporters of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) outside its headquarters in Ankara, using tear gas to break up the demonstration. The confrontation followed a court decision to dismiss the party’s leadership, sparking outrage among CHP members and supporters. Video footage showed officers using heavy-handed tactics, including breaking down doors with sledgehammers, to gain entry.
Ocalan condemned the incident as undemocratic, questioning, “Is breaking into the headquarters of a political party by smashing the door with a sledgehammer something that should happen in a democracy?” He described such actions as a clear “indicator of the absence of a properly functioning democracy and democratic politics” in Turkey.
The DEM Party delegation, which visited Ocalan on May 24, is scheduled to meet with CHP leader Ozgur Ozel at the Turkish Parliament on May 25, where Ozel is now operating following the leadership crisis. The meeting signals continued dialogue between Kurdish political representatives and opposition figures amid the broader political turmoil.
Ocalan’s message reflects growing concerns over Turkey’s democratic backsliding and the fragility of the peace process. While the PKK’s renunciation of violence was a major step, its implementation remains contingent on sustained political will, legal safeguards, and respect for democratic norms—areas currently under strain.
As Turkey navigates this delicate phase, Ocalan’s latest remarks serve as a reminder of both the progress made and the risks ahead if reconciliation efforts are not urgently consolidated through legal and institutional means.
