The controversy over "Öcalan's right to hope"! Özlem Zengin said, "There was no demand," and an immediate response came from the DEM.

16.10.2025 15:54

AK Party Group Deputy Chair Özlem Zengin stated regarding the debate on "the right to hope for Abdullah Öcalan," "I have not heard such a demand in the meetings I have attended. There is no request from İmralı." In response to Zengin's statement, DEM Party Spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan said, "It is impossible for Özlem Hanım not to have heard it. The right to hope should certainly be discussed, and everything necessary should be done."

AK Party Group Deputy Chair Özlem Zengin answered journalists' questions at the "Anatolian Conversations" program organized by the Turkish Press Federation (TÜBAF). Zengin made striking statements regarding the ongoing debate about "the right to hope for Abdullah Öcalan," stating that such a request has not come up.

"I HAVEN'T HEARD SUCH A REQUEST"

Zengin stated in her remarks on the subject, "I haven't heard such a request in any meeting I have attended. On the contrary, it has been repeatedly expressed that Imralı has no requests — including for release."

A STATEMENT ALSO CAME FROM DEM

Following this statement, eyes turned to DEM Party, which also made a statement. DEM Party Spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan, in a statement regarding the issue, noted that their party's activities continue in line with Turkey's needs.

Doğan, stating, "I suggest we not speak based on assumptions," used the following expressions: "We have studies related to Turkey's needs. Our Law Commission, our Parliamentary Commission, our Commission Coordination, and our Central Executive Board are actively working. Our co-chair also clearly expressed DEM Party's demands and Turkey's needs at the TBMM Group Meeting."

"IT'S IMPOSSIBLE THAT SHE HASN'T HEARD"

Noting that the debate over the "right to hope" is not new, Doğan reminded of the call made by MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli in the past, saying, "It is impossible that Özlem Hanım hasn't heard because Mr. Bahçeli said in the Parliament, 'Öcalan should dissolve his organization, and if necessary, the right to hope should be implemented.' More than a year has passed since then. We are not talking behind closed doors; we are saying it openly. Of course, the right to hope should be discussed, and everything necessary should be done properly," she said.