Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan held a press conference at the party’s headquarters following the meeting of the Central Executive Board (MYK), where she evaluated both the messages coming from Newroz celebrations and expectations regarding the Peace and Democratic Society Process.
Responding to MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli’s remarks that “There is no need to rush,” Ayşegül Doğan emphasized that time is critical and said: “At the same time, we need speed, not haste. Regional developments and risks have shown over time why we need to move quickly. If time is not used well, risks may arise, and it may not always be easy to eliminate them. There may be provocations. There may be those who want to sabotage the process—and we know there are. Therefore, what must be done is not to drag things out or misuse time. We must understand the value of time and take steps accordingly. That is why speed is necessary. People have already been waiting for quite some time.”
Ayşegül Doğan also said that during the MYK meeting they evaluated this year’s Newroz celebrations and the public participation, noting that the message given by millions in the squares was clear.
She stressed that Newroz is not only a cultural celebration for the Kurdish people but also a political platform where demands for resistance, freedom, peace, and a democratic solution are strongly expressed. “From Istanbul to Van, from Cizre to Kulu, from Bursa to Diyarbakır, what did the millions who gathered where the Newroz fire was lit demand? Peace, a solution, equal citizenship, and a fair and democratic Turkey. As Mr. Öcalan also expressed in his Newroz message, the perspective of dialogue, negotiation, and a democratic solution found a very strong response in the Newroz squares.”
Ayşegül Doğan also strongly criticized the detentions and arrests that took place after the Newroz celebrations, stating that the detention of around 200 people and the arrest of many others contradicts the spirit of the process. Criticizing the continuation of security-focused policies, she asked, “How can it be explained to act with such security reflexes and with a mentality that insists on being afraid of songs, colors, names, and symbols?”
She described the banning of posters of Leader Apo at Newroz celebrations as a “major contradiction.” Emphasizing that Leader Apo is one of the key actors in the process, she said: “Negotiations are being held on Imrali Island. State officials are also part of these meetings. Yet posters of Abdullah Öcalan are banned in the squares. In many places, they were attempted to be banned or were banned. Turkey must overcome this paradox, and it must move quickly on this issue. Newroz was almost like a referendum. Its message was clear and explicit.”
The DEM Party spokesperson also called for Newroz to be declared an official holiday, stating that the social significance of the celebrations can no longer be ignored.
Ayşegül Doğan also drew attention to developments in the Middle East, particularly Iran’s attacks on the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, stating that the geography of Kurdistan is being drawn into a broader regional war. For this reason, she said, the internal solution process should not be delayed any further.
Emphasizing that legal regulations must be implemented urgently for the process to move forward, Ayşegül Doğan announced that the DEM Party has completed its preparations on this matter.
“There is a need for a legal approach in this law that includes everyone who lays down arms, without discrimination or categorical distinctions. Therefore, a timetable must be prepared quickly and shared with the public,” she said, adding that the Speaker of Parliament, Numan Kurtulmuş, should announce this timetable as soon as possible.
Ayşegül Doğan also noted that there are steps that can be taken immediately without requiring legislation, pointing out that many rights violations continue, particularly concerning sick prisoners. Referring to the death of seriously ill prisoner Mehmet Edip Taşar, she said, “These are not natural deaths; they are murders spread over time.”
She also described the failure to implement decisions of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and the Constitutional Court (AYM), prison observation boards blocking releases, and the targeting of journalists and artists as developments that undermine the credibility of the process. In this context, she cited the arrest of journalist İsmail Arı and restrictions imposed on artist İlkay Akkaya as examples.
Finally, Ayşegül Doğan announced that the DEM Party’s Imrali Delegation will travel to Imrali Island tomorrow to meet with Leader Apo. She stated that the meeting will be important both for the legal framework of the process and for discussions about Leader Apo’s conditions and status. She also noted that issues such as disarmament and the legal framework will be discussed during the meeting.