Striking claim from İmralı corridors: Did terrorist leader Öcalan oppose Demirtaş's release?

It was stated that claims regarding PKK terrorist organization leader Abdullah Öcalan's opposition to the release of former HDP Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş are being discussed in Ankara's political corridors. According to the claim, Öcalan believes that Demirtaş's release could have negative consequences for the future of the process.

Halk TV columnist Uğur Ergan noted that following the decision from the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) regarding Demirtaş, claims that "Demirtaş will be released" had come to the agenda in political circles. However, the AKP government challenged the ECHR decision and blocked Demirtaş's release.

Following statements by MHP Deputy Chairman Feti Yıldız, who noted that the ECHR decision was binding and said, "Something must be done for Demirtaş," debates over his release had increased in political circles.

According to claims circulating in Ankara's corridors, it was alleged that PKK terrorist organization leader Abdullah Öcalan stated during one of his meetings at İmralı that Demirtaş's active involvement could lead to negative consequences for both the government and the continuation of the process. Following this meeting, it was expressed that Öcalan does not look favorably upon the release of Demirtaş.

STATEMENT FROM DEM PARTY

The Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) opposed these claims and held a demonstration by marching to the Ministry of Justice for Demirtaş and Yüksekdağ. However, these claims in the corridors continue to be discussed in Ankara.

The distant stance of Öcalan and Kandil toward Demirtaş also continues. It is known that Demirtaş still has a strong influence among the Turkish left and young Kurdish-Turkish voters. It is stated that Demirtaş and the Co-Chair at the time, Figen Yüksekdağ, played a major role in the 13.1 percent of the vote that the HDP received in the June 7, 2015 elections.