13.10.2025 12:13
Bülent Arınç stated that bold steps need to be taken to end terrorism and mentioned that he could meet with Abdullah Öcalan if necessary. Reiterating the call for a general amnesty, Arınç said, "If risks are not taken, success will not come; this country will grow not by remaining silent, but by speaking."
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Former Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Bülent Arınç, made striking statements regarding the "Terror-Free Turkey" process during a program he attended on TV5. Arınç argued that there should be discussions with Abdullah Öcalan, stating, "If no one is willing to do this, I will go to İmralı if necessary."
"THERE ARE SOME ISSUES THAT..."
Having been away from the public eye for a long time, former Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Bülent Arınç was a guest on Oğuz İlgiç's program on TV5. In the program, he evaluated topics such as Israel's attacks on Gaza, the Hamas-Israel ceasefire, the 'Terror-Free Turkey' process initiated in Turkey, discussions on general amnesty, and a possible visit to İmralı. In his statements, Arınç emphasized that achieving real social peace in Turkey is only possible through "brave and concrete steps," stating, "There are some issues that we cannot achieve peace without solving."
"GENERAL AMNESTY IS A HUMANITARIAN NECESSITY"
Touching on the issue of general amnesty, Arınç highlighted the violations of rights in the judiciary and the overcrowding in prisons, stating, "The only step that can address the violations of rights in the judiciary, social unrest, and the congestion in prisons is a fair general amnesty regulation with a defined scope. This is not only a legal necessity but also a humanitarian one. Because where justice is delayed, the mercy of the state should speak."
"THE RIGHT TO HOPE IS A REQUIREMENT OF UNIVERSAL LAW"
Referring to the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights, Arınç also mentioned the concept of "Right to Hope," stating, "This concept foresees that individuals sentenced to life imprisonment should be given the opportunity for reassessment after a certain period. The application should be valid for all life sentences, regardless of the nature of the crime." In this context, Arınç noted that Abdullah Öcalan could also be evaluated within this category of rights, emphasizing that this is not an "amnesty" but rather "the state acting in accordance with universal standards within its own legal system."
"THE PROCESS WILL NOT ADVANCE WITHOUT LISTENING TO ÖCALAN"
Arguing that a possible meeting with Abdullah Öcalan in İmralı is necessary for the healthy progress of the process, Arınç stated, "If the commission formed by the Turkish Grand National Assembly wants to carry out the process healthily, Abdullah Öcalan must be directly listened to in İmralı. Progress cannot be made without talking to a figure who still has a de facto influence over the PKK. It is necessary to speak directly, listen, and share the results with the public. Avoiding and ignoring will not bring a solution."
"SUCCESS CANNOT BE ACHIEVED WITHOUT TAKING RISKS"
Emphasizing that "success cannot be achieved without taking risks" in the peace process, Arınç continued his remarks: "If no one is willing to do this, I will go to İmralı if necessary and meet with Öcalan. I will share all the details of the meeting transparently, whether with the Parliamentary Commission or with the public. Because this country will grow not by remaining silent, but by talking, confronting, and solving."
Arınç stated that such a visit could be made with the participation of representatives from political parties or through respected statesmen known for their objectivity in society.
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