Demirtaş's call regarding Öcalan: 'I wish he could speak'

Messages from former HDP Co-Chairs Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ were read at the International Peace and Democratic Society Conference organized by the DEM Party in Istanbul.

In their messages, both individuals emphasized the terrorist organization leader, Abdullah Öcalan.

'I WISH ÖCALAN COULD SPEAK DIRECTLY TO SOCIETY...'

Stating that peace is not limited to the laying down or silencing of weapons, Demirtaş remarked, "I wish all these prejudices could be cast aside and the opportunities could be created for Mr. Öcalan to speak directly to society..."

Yüksekdağ, who is in Kandıra Prison, stated, "At a time when peoples are being crushed under the sieges and impositions of great wars, being the voice, breath, and fighting power of peace and democracy is very valuable."

Selahattin Demirtaş included the following statements in the message he sent:

"I respectfully greet everyone gathered in Istanbul today who aims to build peace, justice, and a democratic society. In this period, as we pass through one of the deepest crises in human history, peace is no longer a choice for us or for the peoples of the world, but a necessity. The destruction caused by war, inequality, authoritarianism, and policies of denial has wounded not only our geographies but also our consciences.

Therefore, every step taken, every sentence formed, and every decision made at this conference affects not only our present but also the fate of our future generations. Peace is not limited to the laying down or silencing of weapons. As you all know, true peace is possible through justice, equality, freedom, and a dignified life."

"Peace is possible through the establishment of an order where Kurds, Turks, Arabs, Armenians, Syriacs, Alevis, Sunnis, women, youth, workers, and everyone, whether religious or non-religious, can feel like equal and free citizens of these lands and live in prosperity."

"A democratic society does not rise on fears, anxieties, or pressures, but on trust and by taking the principles of democratic participation as a foundation. It is a social contract for coexistence where not just a single identity, a single language, or a single belief, but all differences can exist equally and freely. For this reason, defending democracy is not just a political stance, but also a moral and human responsibility.

In this sense, Mr. Öcalan's courageous and determined stance is very valuable and meaningful. I wish all these prejudices could be cast aside and the opportunities could be created for Mr. Öcalan to speak directly to society. Then, I am sure that satisfying answers will emerge for everyone in Turkey who is anxious and angry, and no ground will be provided for unnecessary speculation."

THE DOORS TO A NEW ERA HAVE OPENED

Figen Yüksekdağ's message is as follows:

"I greet the International Peace and Democratic Society Conference with respect and love. At a time when the peoples of Turkey, Kurdistan, the region, and the world are being crushed under the sieges and impositions of great wars, being the voice, breath, and fighting power of peace and democracy is very valuable.

With Mr. Öcalan's 'Call for Peace and Democratic Society,' the doors to a new era have opened for all the peoples of Turkey and the region. What will give this era its spirit, meaning, and power is the unshakeable democratic unity and movement of our peoples, women, youth, all oppressed faiths, and laborers. With the belief that your conference will be the spirit, consciousness, and determination of such a movement, I greet everyone who contributed and all the valuable participants."