Breaking News: First image of terrorist leader Abdullah Öcalan in months

In the new resolution process, of which MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli is the architect and which the government calls a 'Terror-Free Turkey,' eyes have turned to the date when the PKK terrorist organization will lay down its arms.

The DEM Party Imralı Delegation, consisting of Mithat Sancar and Pervin Buldan, visited the Presidential Palace to meet with AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan one day after their meeting with terrorist leader Abdullah Öcalan on July 6.

VIDEO MESSAGE EXPECTED FROM ÖCALAN FOR THE DISARMAMENT CEREMONY

According to information obtained from DEM Party sources, the PKK's disarmament event, which was planned to be held in Sulaymaniyah in the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government on Friday, July 11, will not be broadcast live due to security reasons, but the DEM Party has formed a delegation to observe the ceremony.

The delegation will include DEM Party Co-Chairs Tülay Hatimoğulları and Tuncer Bakırhan, Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Co-Chairs Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar and Keskin Bayındır, and several DEM Party members of parliament.

Pointing out that they are expecting a video message from the leader of the PKK terrorist organization, Abdullah Öcalan, party sources stated that the video message would contain Öcalan's messages regarding the new phase of the process.

Meanwhile, some accounts close to the PKK terrorist organization shared a new image of terrorist leader Abdullah Öcalan taken on Imralı Island.

In the image in question, it is seen that Öcalan is with other PKK terrorists in Imralı Prison.

Terrorist leader Öcalan was seen for the first time since February 27, when he made a call for disarmament and dissolution.

In his video message, terrorist leader Öcalan said the following:

“Dear comrades,

I consider it an ethical duty to you to provide explanatory and creative answers, even if repeatedly, through a comprehensive letter regarding the stage our communalist comradeship movement has reached, the concrete situation it is experiencing, and the problems and ways to resolve them.

I continue to defend the Peace and Democratic Society Call dated February 27, 2025.

I evaluate your positive response to this with a comprehensive and quite accurate content through the 12th Dissolution Congress of the PKK as a historic response.

The point reached must be considered quite valuable and of a historic nature. Meanwhile, the efforts of the comrades who are in bridge relations are of equal value and worthy of appreciation.

At the end of all the developments that have taken place, I have prepared a Democratic Society Manifesto that should be considered a historic transformation. This manifesto is of a quality that will successfully replace the 'Path of the Kurdistan Revolution' manifesto of approximately 50 years. I believe that it carries a historical social content not only for the Kurdish historical society but also for the regional and global society. I have no doubt that it constitutes a successful example of the historical manifesto tradition.

I must clearly state that all these developments have taken place as a result of the meetings I held in Imralı. Maximum attention has been paid to ensuring that the meetings are conducted on the basis of free will.

The stage reached necessitates moving into practice with new steps. It is inevitable that this stage and the necessary steps be importantly stated, understood, and adhered to in terms of their requirements and moving forward.

The PKK movement, which is based on the denial of existence and aimed at a separate state, and the national liberation war strategy it relies on, have been ended. Existence has been recognized, therefore the main goal has been achieved. Obsolescence is in this sense. The rest has been evaluated as excessive repetition and a deadlock. On this basis, comprehensive criticism-self-criticism will continue.

Since politics does not tolerate a vacuum, the vacuum must be filled with the program titled Peace and Democratic Society, the 'democratic politics' strategy, and holistic law as the basic tactic. We are talking about a process that is of a historical nature and determines fate.

As a general part of the process, the voluntary laying down of arms and the work of a comprehensive commission, which is planned to be established by law and authorized in the TBMM (Grand National Assembly of Turkey), are important. It is essential to show attention and sensitivity in taking steps without falling into the narrow-mindedness of 'you first, then me.' I know that the steps taken will not be in vain. I see the sincerity and I trust it.

Therefore, efforts are being made to move on to more practical and concrete key-opening steps. Some of the main theses put forward by me are as follows:

It is possible for everyone to do their part and reach the goal of Peace and Democratic Society with a positive integrationist perspective. The conclusion drawn from everything told is: The PKK has abandoned a nation-state goal, and with this abandonment of the main goal, it has also abandoned its main war strategy and has ended its existence. It is expected that the historical point reached will be taken even further.

It should be considered natural for you to ensure the laying down of arms in a way that will be meaningful for both the TBMM and the commission, will dispel doubts in public opinion, and will meet the requirements of our word, openly to the relevant circles and the public. The establishment of a disarmament mechanism will move the process forward. It is a voluntary transition from the armed struggle phase to the democratic politics and law phase. This should be evaluated not as a loss, but as a historic gain. The details regarding disarmament will be determined and implemented quickly.

The DEM, which is under the roof of the Parliament, will do its part together with other parties for this process to reach success.

Meanwhile, as for my freedom status as an indispensable condition in all decision texts; you know that I have never seen my own freedom as an individual problem. Philosophically, individual freedom cannot be abstract from society. To the extent that the individual is liberated, society can be liberated, and to the extent that society is liberated, the individual can be liberated. It is natural that the requirements of this tendency will be adhered to.

I believe in the power of politics and social peace, not weapons. And I call on you to implement this principle.

The developments in the region in recent days clearly confirm the importance and urgency of this historic step we have taken.

I must state that I am looking forward to all your criticisms, suggestions, and contributions regarding the process. I state with great optimism and readiness, desire, and enthusiasm that these discussions will lead us, the Democratic Modernity Forces, to a new theoretical program, strategic and tactical phase at the country, regional, and global levels, and that preparations for this are already underway.

My call for the coming period is to take on the burden in line with the congress decisions and the views and suggestions I have expressed in this latest writing, and to achieve developments on the basis of success.

Remain with permanent comradely greetings and love.

June 19, 2025

Abdullah Öcalan”