Devlet Bahçeli clarifies reports on 'villa for Öcalan': It is a 250-square-meter residence

MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli has clarified claims regarding a "villa" being built for Abdullah Öcalan on İmralı Island, which surfaced following a meeting he held with journalist Nagehan Alçı last week.

Don't leave your news choices to an algorithm - decide for yourself what you read. Add 12punto to your preferred sources!

Devlet Bahçeli clarifies reports on 'villa for Öcalan': It is a 250-square-meter residence

Bahçeli spoke about the structure on İmralı that was brought to the agenda by journalist Nagehan Alçı. Stating that "there is no such thing as a villa," Bahçeli said that a 250-square-meter residence had been built for Öcalan.

Following her meeting with Bahçeli on September 11, Alçı had reported that a house with a garden, suitable for normal living conditions, had been built for Öcalan on İmralı Island, but that Öcalan had not moved into it due to a "status" demand.

In his statement to journalist Ceyhun Bozkurt, Bahçeli rejected this characterization, noting that the "villa" interpretation was derived from Alçı's remarks.

Not a villa, but a "250-square-meter residence"

Reminding that Öcalan has been in prison for 26 years and is aging, Bahçeli used the following expressions regarding the purpose of the residence:

"Journalist Nagehan Alçı came by recently. They derived a 'villa' interpretation from what the lady conveyed. There is no such thing as a villa. A 250-square-meter residence was built. This residence is already within the prison complex. It is an island surrounded by water on all four sides. Abdullah Öcalan has already been in prison for 26 years. He is advanced in age. It is important that he dissolves the organization during this process. It is valuable that his statement in 2025 and his statement in February 2026 are no different from each other and that he stands behind this process to the point of the organization's disappearance. A residence was built in the meantime. It was built so that he could hold his meetings there and convey the messages he intends to give. Let him also meet with journalists when the time comes. These opportunities should be provided, and they will be."

Bahçeli also stated that his previously proposed "Peace process politicization coordination" suggestion regarding the İmralı process remains valid.

Bahçeli's statement on Erdoğan's candidacy

Bahçeli also made assessments regarding the presidential elections. Stating that their candidate in the upcoming election is President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Bahçeli said, "The next six years are important; there is much to be done."

Referring to Erdoğan's victories in the 2018 and 2023 elections, Bahçeli continued his statement using the "three crescents" analogy.

Bahçeli stated, "Mr. President has completed two of the three crescents. He won the 2018 and 2023 elections, now only the third crescent remains. Hopefully, he will complete the third one as well."

News Source: 12punto