DEM Party delegation visits jailed HDP co-chair Figen Yüksekdağ amid peace efforts

Duvar English

The DEM Party delegation visited former HDP co-chair Figen Yüksekdağ at Kocaeli Kandıra Prison on Jan. 12, following their meeting with former HDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş at Edirne Prison the previous day.

The delegation, consisting of DEM Party parliamentary deputy speaker Sırrı Süreyya Önder, Van MP Pervin Buldan, and dismissed Mardin Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Türk, entered the prison at 1 p.m. The meeting lasted approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Önder delivered a statement afterward.

Önder said Yüksekdağ and detained MP Semra Güzel would issue statements on the ongoing process the following day. He relayed Yüksekdağ’s message: “We are ready to contribute and take responsibility in this process.”

Reflecting on his own detention at the same prison five years ago, Önder lamented the loss of lives and time due to the prolonged conflict. “Lives lost and time wasted are irreplaceable,” he said. He emphasized the importance of ending the conflict and building peace as a collective responsibility.

‘No Agenda of Division or Dual Flags, Only Peace’
Addressing concerns about division, Önder rejected claims of an agenda involving dual languages or flags. “Our focus is solely on building peace for the children of this country,” he said. He urged the abandonment of harmful rhetoric and committed to engaging with all groups to address concerns, contributions, and critiques.

‘Avoid Empowering Those Who Undermine Peace’
Önder described the ongoing process as transparent, emphasizing the need for seriousness and sincerity. He called for national unity, particularly for the children, and warned against those who would sabotage peace efforts. “We must not empower those who act as butchers of peace,” he said.

When asked if the DEM Party would meet with Kurdish parties, Önder confirmed discussions were planned, saying the focus would be on building peace inclusively.

The DEM Party delegation had previously visited Demirtaş and former Diyarbakır Mayor Selçuk Mızraklı at Edirne Prison. This visit was part of a process initiated by MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli’s call, which included discussions with PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan on İmralı Island.

Jailed politician Demirtaş gives 'full support' to PKK leader Öcalan's peace effortsPolitics

There is ‘great consensus’ between parties, Erdoğan says on new Kurdish openingPolitics

PKK leader Öcalan cites historic opportunity, urges public consensus for resolutionPolitics