22.11.2025 17:16
The National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission has decided to go to Imralı to meet with Abdullah Öcalan. Şahzade Demir, the Deputy Chairman of HÜDAPAR and a Member of Parliament from Gaziantep, explained why they voted 'no' on the decision to go to Imralı. Demir stated, "We do not think the same on every issue with the People's Alliance. After the Imralı meeting, the parties should boldly take the initiative."
The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chairman Devlet Bahçeli's statement, "If no one approaches, I will go to İmralı," led to the establishment of the National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), which decided to go to İmralı to meet with Abdullah Öcalan. While the AK Party, MHP, DEM Party, TİP, and EMEP voted "yes," HÜDAPAR voted "no." HÜDAPAR Deputy Chairman and Gaziantep MP Şahzade Demir answered questions from presenter Melis Yaşar on Haberler.com, explaining their reasons one by one.
"WE DO NOT THINK THE SAME ON EVERY ISSUE WITH THE PEOPLE'S ALLIANCE"
HÜDAPAR Deputy Chairman Şahzade Demir explained why they voted "no" to the decision of the National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission, established in line with the goal of a "Terror-Free Turkey," to go to İmralı to listen to Abdullah Öcalan. Demir stated, "It is already known in the public that we do not think the same way on everything with the People's Alliance or the AK Party," adding that they are not against listening to Öcalan but have different views on the method. Demir said, "We were thinking this way; rather than going there, we wanted an environment where all commission members could listen via SEGBİS or video conference. We did not have a thought of not listening to Öcalan in the commission. We did not find it right to create a red line regarding all commission members going to İmralı."
"CHP IS GOING THROUGH A VERY TURBULENT PERIOD"
Demir also evaluated CHP's departure from the commission, pointing to the party's internal discussions, stating, "CHP is going through a very turbulent period; the party is not currently a single voice." Reminding that CHP opposed the closed session, Demir noted that they also did not find the closed session necessary. Demir argued that it would be more appropriate for all members of the commission to listen to Öcalan, stating, "We did not see it right to set a red line that all commission members must go to İmralı." Indicating that going to İmralı is viewed with suspicion in the public, Demir said, "This is a situation that is also viewed with suspicion by our party and our base."
"AFTER THE İMRALI MEETING, THE PARTIES MUST TAKE COURAGEOUS INITIATIVES"
Emphasizing that the meeting to be held in İmralı is the most critical phase of the process, Demir stated, "It may be the most important listening." He highlighted the importance of Öcalan expressing a clear will for the complete dissolution of the organization, stating that all components in the field must comply and lay down their arms. Demir said, "The time has come for the parties to take courageous initiatives," expressing that the commission should focus on legal steps from now on. Finally, Demir stated that Turkey needs to enter a new era based on brotherhood and unity, saying, "This country has a dire need for brotherhood, unity, and solidarity."