HDK Youth: Lasting peace requires constitutional reform
Members of the Youth Assembly of the Peoples’ Democratic Congress (HDK) emphasized that in addition to the parliamentary commission set to begin work on August 5, lasting peace in Turkey, particularly a resolution to the Kurdish issue, will require constitutional changes.
Lawyer Kahraman: Fight for ‘right to hope’ ıs everyone’s responsibility
Ali Kahraman, a member of the Society and Legal Research Foundation (TOHAV), emphasized that Turkey is obliged to recognize the "right to hope" under the international conventions it has ratified, calling on all segments of society to push for legal reform in Parliament.
Call from Peace Mothers to commission: Release political prisoners
Peace Mothers demanded that the commission established in the Parliament, which is expected to start its work, should first make arrangements for the release of political prisoners, especially Abdullah Öcalan.
Ill prisoner without medication transferred to another prison
Seyfettin Demhat, an ill prisoner whose medications brought from abroad have not been provided, has been transferred from Van High Security Prison to Kırşehir Type-S Prison against his will. His wife, Tuba Demhat, has called for his immediate release.
Life-changing encounter during the 74th Genocide
Henan Şengalî, who transformed from a terrified young girl into a resisting woman fighting alongside female fighters during the 74th Genocide against the Êzidî (Yazidi) community, said, "I am no longer the old Êzidî woman. Today, we are strong. We have risen from our ashes."
The 'right to hope' is a matter of human dignity says Heval Zelal Avci
Heval Zelal Avcı, a representative of the Civil Society in the Penal System Association (CİSST), stated that the "right to hope" is not only a legal concept but also a fundamental requirement of respecting human dignity.
Journalists in front of Israeli Consulate: We stand with our Palestinian colleagues
Press organizations staging a protest in front of the Israeli Consulate under the slogan “We stand with our Palestinian colleagues” reacted to the international community's failure to take action against Israel's attacks.
Impunity decision in case of women's bodies being publicly displayed during Cizîr curfew
A non-prosecution decision has been issued in the investigation into the exposure of the naked bodies of two women by soldiers and police during the curfew declared in Cizîr (Cizre).
Asrin Law Office: Biased and false news about Veysi Aktaş aimed at undermining the process
Asrin Law Office made a statement regarding the targeting of Veysi Aktaş, who released after 1 year and 3 months postponment. The statement said: "These biased and false reports are aimed at undermining the 'peace and democratic society' process initiated under the leadership of Mr. Öcalan."
'We Want graves of our loved ones and the perpetrators to be prosecuted'
Ikbal Eren, a member of the Saturday People who emphasize that the struggle that began at Galatasaray Square stopped enforced disappearances, highlighted their long-standing demands: to locate the graves of their loved ones and to end the policy of impunity.
Police officer who killed 7-year-old child will not be prosecuted
The district governor of İdil refused to authorize an investigation into police officer Metin Kiraz, who killed 7-year-old Miraç Miroğlu by hitting him with an armored vehicle, claiming that he had “no other choice but to hit him.”
33 Years without journalist Abayay: His successors continue the search for truth
Metin Abayay, brother of Çetin Abayay, the Êlih representative of Özgür Halk magazine who was killed by Hizbulkontra 33 years ago, stated, "Despite all pressures, his successors continue his search for truth."
Call to strengthen the Democratic Unity Initiative
The co-spokespersons of the Democratic Unity Initiative called on Kurds and Kurdistanis to consolidate their national unity, emphasizing that the initiative represents an umbrella for all structures. "We call on everyone to strengthen this initiative," they said.
Jakob Migenda: Öcalan's freedom is a sign of the liberation of peoples
Jakob Migenda, a member of Germany's Left Party who applied to visit Imrali, emphasized that Abdullah Öcalan's liberation is a sign of the collapse of oppression and the liberation of peoples.
Öcalan: Participation of all segments in process is a vital necessity
Riha (Urfa) MP Ömer Öcalan, who held a family visit with Abdullah Öcalan on İmralı Island, stated, “Mr. Öcalan emphasizes that ‘the participation of all segments in the process is a vital necessity’ for the process to proceed in a healthy manner.”
Abdullah Öcalan and prisoners in İmralı meet with families
Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan met with his guardian Mazlum Dinç and his nephew Ömer Öcalan within the scope of family visits.
Letter from 100 women: We want to meet Öcalan
100 women from 13 countries sent a letter to the Ministry of Justice to meet Abdullah Öcalan.
Observation Boards target hopes for peace and resolution
Ömer Faruk Yazmacı, co-spokesperson of the Prison Commission of the Human Rights Association (İHD), criticized the ongoing violations in Turkish prisons, stating that “Prison Administrative and Observation Boards are directly targeting hopes for peace and democratic resolution.”
Two prisoners’ sentences cancelled at Düzce T-Type Prison
Lawyer Veysel Demirkaya reported that the sentences of prisoners Resul Baltacı and Sinan Tutmaz, held at Düzce T-Type Closed Prison, were cancelled due to disciplinary penalties.
Why the Autonomous Administration and Damascus meeting postponed?
Journalist Ekrem Berekat reported that the planned meeting between the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria and the Syrian Interim Government was postponed due to Damascus’s declaration that it was “not ready” for the talks.
Participants in National Unity Conference: We can win together
Citizens participating in the Conference on the Importance of Kurdish National Unity pointed out that the work must continue, noting, "If we are united, we can win."
Unity among Kurds will lead to victory says Mehmet Kamac
Mehmet Kamac, Co-spokesperson for the Democratic Unity Initiative, stated that unity among Kurds will lead to victory and that they will work tirelessly to achieve this unity.
'Conference on the Importance of Kurdish National Unity' begin
At the “Conference on the Importance of Kurdish National Unity” organized by the Democratic Unity Initiative in the Bazîd (Doğubeyazıt) district of Agirî (Ağrı), attention was drawn to the fact that the Kurds have taken an important step towards unity.
Veysi Aktaş who held in İmralı releases
Veysi Aktaş, whose release was postponed for a year and 3 months and who has been in İmralı Prison for 10 years, was released.
Statement by İmralı delegation after meeting with Abdullah Öcalan
DEM Party İmralı Delegation made a statement after their meeting with Abdullah Öcalan. It was stated that Abdullah Öcalan found the way the weapons destruction ceremony was organised and the will, belief and determination for peace displayed very valuable.
Letter from 88 Nobel laureates to international organisations
In a letter written on behalf of 88 Nobel laureates and sent to international institutions, it was stated that Abdullah Öcalan's call for peace is a beacon of hope at a time of increasing conflicts around the world, and international support was requested for his freedom.
Mexmur Residents: We want to return to our lands with dignity
Residents of the Mexmur (Makhmur) Refugee Camp, who have been holding a vigil for Abdullah Öcalan’s physical freedom for 736 days, called on the state to heed his call. “We want to return to our lands, not through surrender but with dignity,” they said.
Peace Mothers Assembly: Peace cannot be one-sided
Members of the Peace Mothers Assembly expressed frustration that while Kurds have taken significant steps toward peace, the state and government have not responded with equal determination, warning that “peace cannot be one-sided.”
Conferences in Bazîd and Mêrdîn to focus on Kurdish Unity and Peace Process
The Democratic Unity Initiative will hold conferences in Bazîd (Doğubayazıt) and Mêrdîn (Mardin) to discuss Kurdish national unity and the ongoing peace process in Turkey, member Orhan Ayaz announced.
Democratic Alevi Associations Co-chair: Burning weapons marks the birth of new existences
Zeynel Kete, Co-Chair of the Democratic Alevi Associations (DAD), described the symbolic burning of weapons during the July 11 disarmament ceremony as an act of profound transformation. “To burn is not to destroy, but to open the way for new existences,” he said, calling on Alevis to take an active role in the ongoing peace process.
Lawyer Veysi Atmaca: Constitutional reform is vital for resolving the Kurdish issue
Veysi Atmaca, a lawyer from the Association of Lawyers for Freedom (ÖHD), emphasized the necessity of a broad and inclusive parliamentary commission to address the Kurdish issue, arguing that constitutional amendments are essential for a lasting solution.
Legal guarantees are needed for those who lay down arms says journalist Bayramoglu
Journalist and political commentator Ali Bayramoğlu stated that legal guarantees are essential for militants who lay down arms. “Progress can only be made if the AKP and MHP open up democratic space, and that includes reaching societal consensus,” he said.
Citizens in Aydın: All parties must engage their base in peace process
Citizens participating in the public meetings held in Aydın as part of the Peace and Democratic Society Process emphasized the need for broader societal involvement. Güler Erat stressed that the AKP, MHP, and CHP should also explain and support the process within their own communities.
Letter to 18 countries: Recognise the Yazidi genocide
TAJÊ sent a letter to 18 countries for the recognition of the 3 August 2014 edict as genocide.
You will witness progress taking place on the Parliament floor says Erdogan
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, from the ruling AK Party, stated that a commission to be established in Parliament is nearing its final stage, saying, "Soon, you will witness progress taking place on the Parliament floor."
'Freedom for Öcalan' march to be organised in Europe
Kurdish and internationalist youth will organise a 3-day march in Germany for the physical freedom of Abdullah Öcalan.
We will build a free and equal life says DEM Party Women’s Assembly Spokesperson
DEM Party Women’s Assembly Spokesperson Halide Türkoğlu emphasized that women will lead efforts in the newly proposed parliamentary commission based on their experiences in peacebuilding. “By expanding our organization and raising the women’s struggle, we will build a free and equal life,” she said.
Women to lead the process by expanding their organization
Members of the Free Women's Movement (TJA) emphasized the significance of women leading the recent weapon-burning ceremony in Şikefta Casenê, saying, “We must unite and fight through organization without letting patriarchal mindsets or states divide us.”
MIT Director Kalın to visit DEM Party
National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) Director İbrahim Kalın will visit the Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party at 15:30 local time in Parliament.
35 prisoners denied release in Bolu Prison
In Bolu F-Type High-Security Prison, the release of 35 prisoners has been blocked by the Administrative and Observation Board on the grounds of “lack of good behavior,” according to Berivan Barin from the Association of Lawyers for Freedom (ÖHD). Of the 35, 34 have been incarcerated for over 30 years.
Circassians want to take part in Parliamentary Peace Commission
Writer and Circassian intellectual Yalçın Karadaş has voiced support for Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan’s July 9 call for inclusion of diverse identities in Turkey’s evolving peace process, emphasizing that the Circassian people want to be represented in the planned parliamentary peace commission.
Civil society launches petition to join peace process in Amed
In the Amed (Diyarbakır), healthcare professionals and civil society organizations have launched a petition campaign in support of the “Peace and Democratic Society” process. Emphasizing that peace cannot be built without the inclusion of civil actors, they declared: “We want to be part of the process.”
No government formed in Kurdistan region nine months after elections
Nine months after the parliamentary elections in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, a new government has yet to be formed. Journalist Hawre Karwan warns that the ongoing political deadlock has evolved into a deep social crisis, with the public bearing the brunt of its consequences.
Kurdish mother demands peace and justice after losing two children
Esmer Çıkmaz, a Kurdish mother who has lost two of her children and hasn't heard from one of her sons amid decades of conflict in Turkey’s southeast, has called for peace, justice, and equal rights. “If Turks have rights, Kurds should have the same. We want our language, our identity,” she said.
We will organise more in the new period says DBP Co-chair
Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Semsûr (Adıyaman) Provincial Organisation held its 1st Ordinary Congress. Speaking at the congress, DBP Co-Chair Keskin Bayındır pointed to the "Peace and Democratic Society Process" and said: "We will organise more in this process".
Final Declaration from Êzidîs
Shengal Academy of Social Sciences announced 7 decisions in the final declaration of the Enlightenment Conference held in Shengal on 17-18 July.
Iran attacks on Eastern Kurdistan Defense Units
Eastern Kurdistan Defense Units announced that Simko Kobanê lost his life in the Iranian attack in Pêncewîn region.
Commemoration for 33 'Dream Travelers': Call for accountability
Those who lost their lives in the Pirsûs Massacre were commemorated in front of the Amara Cultural Centre where the massacre took place. Speakers emphasized the need for accountability and the establishment of a truth and justice commission.
Zeynep Yaman: My baby faced state violence before was even born
Zeynep Yaman, who was subjected to police violence in Istanbul’s Bayrampaşa district, said her baby was born prematurely after being kicked in the stomach by a police officer. “Doctors said there might be issues with my baby’s heart and brain. My baby experienced state violence before even born,” she said.