One year has passed since the Peace and Democratic Society process began on 27 February 2025 following a call by Abdullah Öcalan. In recent days, Mithat Sancar, speaking on behalf of the Imralı delegation after its meeting with Öcalan, said that the first phase of the integration process had been completed and that the second phase had begun. As public demands for peace continue alongside expectations for concrete steps, former Diyarbakır (Amed) Bar Association Chair and lawyer Ahmet Özmen stressed that the demands of society must be placed under constitutional guarantee for a genuine solution to be achieved.
Ahmet Özmen shared his assessment on constitutional amendments and the debates surrounding the “right to hope,” addressing a wide range of issues from the historical background of the problem to current political developments. He said that, despite the passing of more than a year since the 27 February Call, the public’s expectations for concrete steps have not been met.
No concrete steps taken in search for a solution
Özmen said there is strong public expectation for a solution and that public enthusiasm continues but stressed that expectations are now focused on concrete steps. He said: “Society wants a solution based on democratic methods and negotiation, in which weapons are laid aside, a period of non-conflict prevails, and everyone feels they belong within a political framework grounded in constitutional equality and equality of identity. The public has felt a strong sense of excitement because of this, and it should be underlined that this excitement continues. At the same time, people want concrete, tangible steps that can lead to results and reach a clear outcome. Unfortunately, no such step has been taken by either the government or the state.”
Özmen also referred to the commission established in parliament and said that the content of its report will be decisive. He added: “What will this report contain? What kind of legislative proposals will it present to parliament, and in what manner will they be implemented? The political parties that are preparing these proposals within the commission are, at the same time, representatives of ninety-five per cent of parliament.
Therefore, it must be underlined that their proposals carry great importance. I hope the report will include concrete proposals that can contribute to this issue and support a democratic resolution of the Kurdish issue. Recognising that the Kurdish issue has now taken on an international dimension and that many international actors are involved in this process, it is necessary to reach a final peace and solution without leaving room for delay, stalling, or procrastination.”
The republic must be reconciled with democracy
Özmen also addressed the debates on the republic and democracy, saying that democratisation in Turkey will not be possible unless the Kurdish issue is resolved. He said that the security-based approach pursued so far has failed to deliver results and continued: “Of course, everyone living in this geography wants to live under a democratic order. But the republic alone does not bring democracy. The republic alone does not bring equality or freedom, nor does it ensure justice. If there is no democracy, the republic becomes the rule of a single group. For a structure that belongs to the whole society to exist, the republic must be reconciled with democracy. If the Kurdish issue is not resolved through democratic means and methods, democratisation in Turkey will not be possible. The greatest obstacle to democratisation is the Kurdish issue. If you look at this issue solely through a security perspective, you will make no progress. The experience of the past fifty years is there for all to see. Neither Turks nor Kurds have benefited from this issue through a security-based approach.”
The ECtHR ruling must be implemented
Özmen also recalled the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in the debates on the “right to hope” and underlined the binding nature of this decision. He said: “There is a ruling by the ECtHR concerning Abdullah Öcalan. The right to hope means that a prisoner has the hope of being released one day. It means that the release date is determined. Applying a life-long execution regime without setting a specific date can be considered torture and ill-treatment under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). This ruling is binding for Turkey. Once it is implemented, the debate on the right to hope can be resolved.”
Constitutional guarantees are essential
Ahmet Özmen said there is a gap between rhetoric and practice and referred to statements made by Devlet Bahçeli in his parliamentary group speeches, noting that steps taken regarding regulations for ill prisoners have been rolled back. Özmen set out Kurdish demands within a constitutional framework, emphasised identity and language, and said: “Kurds do not want to disappear. Kurds want to exist with their language and identity. They want to preserve their past and their culture. They want to live on their own geography, on their own land, on an equal basis with other peoples. We need to live together on a constitutional plane that is free and equal, where everyone can exist with their own colour. Kurds should be able to say to this state, ‘This is my state as well.’ They should feel that their language, identity, and culture are protected. I believe that peace will come to this geography through a structure in which everyone is equal and can build a future arm in arm, shoulder to shoulder.”
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