Emphasizing that what is needed is not the criminalization of the democratic demands of the Kurdish community, which is part of Germany, but rather a focus on dialogue and solutions, Ruken Akça called for a review of practices that harm their democratic, cultural and civil rights.
With a decision taken in 1993 by then German Interior Minister Manfred Kanther, a ban on establishing associations and carrying out activities for the PKK came into force. Following the decision, criminalization policies against the Kurdish community began. Kurdish associations were shut down, and Kurds were detained and prosecuted. Because of the legal “black hole” created by the PKK ban, even the murder of Kurds was not effectively investigated. Although the PKK dissolved itself at the 12th Congress it held on May 5–7, 2025, the ban in Germany and the measures stemming from it continue.
Affects the Kurdish community in every respect
Speaking to ANF, KON-MED Co-Chair Ruken Akça recalled that the PKK ban, in force for 32 years, is a major regulation that affects the large Kurdish community living in this country politically, culturally and socially. Akça said, “Europe’s democratic values, standards of freedom of expression and approach to social peace make it necessary to re-evaluate current practices in the light of present-day conditions.”
A strong social expectation
Stating that the grounds on which the ban was imposed in 1993 no longer exist and that current realities must be acknowledged, Ruken Akça said:
“Especially the Peace and Democratic Society Call made by Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan on February 27, 2025, followed by the PKK’s declaration of dissolution and then the burning of weapons, were received positively by the federal German government. The Foreign Ministry consistently issued positive and supportive statements throughout this process. These developments have created a strong public expectation that the legal basis of the current ban in Germany should be reviewed in light of present realities and the political climate.”
Dialogue and solution perspectives
Ruken Akça, recalling that around 2 million Kurds live in Germany and that the Kurdish community attaches great importance to Germany’s democratic institutions, the rule of law and pluralism, stressed her belief that prioritizing dialogue and solutions rather than criminalizing democratic demands would benefit society as a whole. “The Kurdish community is part of Germany,” she said.
KON-MED’s expectations from the government
KON-MED Co-Chair Ruken Akça listed their expectations from Germany as follows:
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First, the 32-year ban should be reassessed in line with current conditions.
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Accordingly, practices that negatively affect the democratic, cultural and civil rights of the Kurdish community in Germany should be reviewed.
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Germany and Turkey have deep economic ties. The continuation of conflict in Turkey also harms these relations. Therefore, Germany should encourage policies that contribute to social peace, democratic dialogue and the strengthening of a climate without conflict.
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As a party to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), Germany should adopt a more inclusive approach in line with the ECHR’s principles of freedom of expression and freedom of association.