Watching the historic ceremony: Denial and assimilation must end
Ramazan Arı, Vice Chair of Şêx Seîd (Sheikh Said) Association, who watched the weapons destruction ceremony of the Peace and Democratic Society Group, emphasised that the policies of denial and assimilation should be ended.
A Dream Traveller on road to Kobanê: Hogir
Mehmet Özkan, the father of Uğur Özkan, who lost his life in the Pirsûs (Suruc) Massacre, said: "I couldn't name my son Hogir. I wanted him to change it himself when he grew up, but it didn't happen. Their turning towards Kobanê was an act of humanity."
85-year-old ill prisoner Sıddık Guler releases
85-year-old Sıddık Güler, a seriously ill prisoner, has been released from prison.
What decisions taken at Commission meeting?
A commission planned to be established in the Parliament has been decided to be set up on the initiative of Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus. It is learnt that the commission will consist of at least 44 members.
Release of 30-year prisoner postponed for the 2nd time
The release of Hasip Avşar, a 30-year prisoner, who is being held in Aksaray T-Type Closed Prison, was postponed for the second time for 3 months by the decision of the Administration and Observation Board.
2 journalists acquitted 1 journalist sentenced
Journalists Tolga Güney and Melike Aydın were acquitted of charges of “terrorist organization membership”, while Delal Akyüz was sentenced to six years and three months in prison.
Central Anatolian Kurds stand with the peace process
As part of the “Democratic Society Meetings” organized by the Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, approximately 50,000 people were reached through 25 meetings held in Ankara and Konya. According to DBP Central Anatolia Co-Spokesperson Ensar Bozkurt, “Central Anatolian Kurds fully support the process.”
Parties gathered for the commission
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus and representatives of political parties came together for the planned establishment of a commission in the Parliament.
Families of fighters at disarmament ceremony: The world saw Ocalan’s theoretical and practical power
Families of Hüseyin Nas and Tacdin Işık, who were part of the Peace and Democratic Society Group that laid down arms on July 11, said they support peace and trust Abdullah Öcalan, stating: “The world saw Öcalan’s power for peace, both in theory and practice.”
Peace Mother: safe return path must be opened for the guerrillas
Rahime Turan, a member of the Peace Mothers Initiative and mother of a guerrilla killed in 2016, called for a secure and honorable return process for the PKK fighters who recently laid down arms. "This disarmament must lead to peace. We want no more tears from mothers," she said.
Salih Muslim: We reject surrender, a change in mindset is needed
Speaking on the 13th anniversary of the Rojava Revolution, PYD Foreign Relations Spokesperson Salih Muslim emphasized that the Autonomous Administration offers a democratic model for the Middle East. “We are not surrendering to anyone. What’s needed is a change in mentality,” he said.
Hundreds of women kidnapped in Syria
It has been reported that hundreds of women were kidnapped during attacks on the Lazkiye, Tartus, Homs and Hama regions of Syria and their whereabouts are unknown.
Rojava Revolution marks 13 years: We will not give up our gains
Despite ongoing attacks, the Rojava Revolution continues to stand strong in its 13th year. PYD Co-Chair Perwîn Yusif emphasized that the changing Damascus administration remains committed to denial policies, stating, "We will not step back from the rights we have won."
Imrali Delegation statement after meeting with Minister of Justice
Speaking after the meeting with the Justice Minister, Mithat Sancar, a member of the DEM Party's İmralı delegation, said: "As the legal groundwork for the process solidifies, it will become easier for the process to move forward toward a conclusion," adding that the role of the Justice Ministry is critical at this point.
Holloway: I am deeply honored to join voices supporting peace process
Irish Marxist philosopher John Holloway released a message to support call of Abdullah Ocalan and said: “I am deeply honored to join the voices supporting the peace process."
Saw his brother the historic ceremony: We want to see him among us
Yakup Aydın, the older brother of Hakan Aydın, a member of the Peace and Democratic Society Group, said: "We want to see our brothers among us. We hope that steps will be taken quickly and everyone will contribute to the process."
Partido Obrero supports 'I want to visit Ocalan' campaign
Argentine Workers' Party joined the "I want to visit Ocalan" campaign and sent a letter to the Ministry of Justice demanding a meeting.
Witnessed the historic ceremony: Kurds should trust themselves, not the state
Türkan Durç, one of the names who watched the historic ceremony of the Peace and Democratic Society Group, said: "We were both sad and happy. Kurds should trust themselves, not the state, they should trust Öcalan."
Urgent demands from TTB for the process
The Turkish Medical Association has pointed out that the government has a great responsibility in the "Peace and Democratic Society Process" and listed the steps to be taken immediately.
Suwayda statement from Damascus: Ceasefire declared
Minister of Defence of the Syrian Transitional Government Merhef Abu Kasra announced that a ceasefire was declared in Suwayda.
Druze Spiritual Leader: The statement made in our name does not reflect our will
The Spiritual Leader of the Druze Community, Sheikh Hekmat al-Hijrî, in a video statement addressed to the people, announced that the statement issued on the approval of the entry of Damascus forces into Suwayda was prepared under pressure and does not reflect their real will.
Damascus forces enter Suwayda: Curfew declared
The Interior Ministry of the Syrian Transitional Government announced that the military forces affiliated to them entered Suwayda and a curfew was declared in the city.
Nagehan Avcil from OHD: Recognition of the ‘Right to Hope’ will contribute to the peace process
Ahead of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers meeting in September, Nagehan Avçil from the Lawyers for Freedom Association (ÖHD) announced they will submit a new notification regarding the “right to hope,” emphasizing that this right contributes not only legally but also to the democratic societal process.
Newala Qesaba faces threat of concrete development
Fırat Şimşek, Secretary of the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) in Sêrt (Siirt), criticized the trustee administration’s recent decision to open Newala Qesaba to development, warning that the revision plans aim to erase the area’s social memory.
Lawyer following ceremony: Legal reforms must be implemented swiftly
Baver Mizrak, member of the Amed (Diyarbakır) Bar Association Executive Board, described the Peace and Democratic Society Group’s disarmament as a “goodwill gesture” and stressed the urgent need for rapid legal and constitutional reforms.
Peace process is an opportunity to end attacks on nature say ecologists
Ecologists supporting the “Peace and Democratic Society Process” have emphasized that the ongoing efforts toward peace also offer a critical opportunity to halt environmental destruction, particularly in war-affected regions like Kurdistan.
Tells PJAK meeting: Freedom is only possible through national unity
Dr. Şêrko Heme Emîn, a member of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) delegation that recently met with PJAK (Kurdistan Free Life Party) officials, spoke to media about the importance of Kurdish unity. “Peace, freedom, and equality are only possible through national unity,” he said.
Margaret Owen: No real peace process can until Öcalan is free
Lawyer Margaret Owen said that Abdullah Öcalan must be physically free for the success of the "Peace and Democratic Society Process".
'Democratic Society Meetings' continue
In the public meetings held within the scope of "Democratic Society Meetings", citizens expressed their concerns and suggestions regarding the process.
14 July resistance fighters commemorated in many cities
Those who lost their lives in the 14 July Great Death Fast were commemorated in many cities.
DEM Party Imrali Delegation to meet Minister of Justice
Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party Imrali Delegation will meet with Minister of Justice Yilmaz Tunc on Wednesday at 11.00 am local time.
DEM Party İmralı Delegation's statement on 'meeting note'
The DEM Party’s Imrali Delegation said in a statement on the alleged notes of the Imrali talks, “No interview notes of documents other than those announced by our delegation should be relied upon.”
Ahmet Özer released from 'urban concencus' case
Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Ozer was released during the hearing of the trial in the context of "urban concencus". Ozer was not released as he was also under arrest from a different case.
Request of arrest to 3 people beaten for listening to Kurdish song
3 members of Kaya family, who were beaten and detained for listening to Kurdish songs, were referred to the court with the request for arrest. Kaya family of 10 people returning from a picnic at 21.00 pm local time yesterday evening in Bayrampasa district of Istanbul was beaten and detained by the police because they were listening to a Kurdish song in their car.
Clashes in Suwayda: 37 killed
At least 37 people were killed in clashes between local fighters and groups affiliated to the Syrian Transitional Government in the Syrian city of Suwayda. Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) condemn the attacks.
High-level meeting between KDP and PUK
Senior executives from Kudistan Democrat Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) came together in Pirmam.
DBP, DEVA, SAADET: Commission and legal process should not be delayed
Representatives of DBP, DEVA, and SAADET parties described the PKK’s weapons destruction ceremony as a “historic moment” and emphasized that the parliament should promptly establish the commission and legal framework without delay.
Palestine Action banned in the UK: An unjust legislation
Dirk Campbell, father of YPJ fighter Anna Campbell, who was detained during protests against the UK government’s designation of the “Palestine Action” group as a terrorist organization, stated, “An unjust legislation against Palestine Action.”
Wan residents to state: We expect official confirmation, not just words
Saying that they felt sadness and happiness at the same time while watching the disarmament ceremony, Wan residents expressed their gratitude to Abdullah Öcalan and called on the state to take steps.
İmralı delegation's meeting date with political parties announced
People’s Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party to meet CHP Chair Ozgur Ozel, MHP Chair Devlet Bahceli and Future Party Ahmet Davutoglu in this week.
'Democratic Society' meetings continue
In the public meetings held in 3 different neighbourhoods of Şirnex (Şırnak), people shared their opinions and suggestions.
CHP-affiliated Şile Municipality Mayor arrested
Şile Mayor Özgür Kabadayı and 4 municipality executives were arrested.
Statement from DAANES on talks with the Damascus administration
Making a statement regarding the talks with the Syrian transitional government, the DAANES said: "We adhere to the goals of the March 15 and July 19 revolution, which call for democracy, justice, and freedom. We affirm that engaging in the political process is our strategic choice."
The duty to build peace lies with all of us says DEM Party Group Deputy Chair
Gulistan Kilic Kocyigit, Parliamentary Group Deputy Chair of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, commented on the PKK’s disarmament ceremony, emphasizing the collective responsibility to build peace. “Öcalan addressed not only the state and the PKK, but also society and politics. This peace belongs to all of us, and so does the duty to build it,” she said.
25 thousand people informed about the ‘Peace and Democratic Society Process’
25 thousand people who participated in 139 public meetings held in Êlih (Batman) were informed about the “Peace and Democratic Society Process”.
People of Amed: We want freedom and equality
Speaking about the historic ceremony, people of Amed (Diyarbakır) emphasised the need for mutual steps to be taken going forward, saying, “As a people who have paid a heavy price, we want peace, freedom, equality and justice.”
Two of her children joined the PKK: We all have a great burden on our shoulders
Herdem Arslan, who two of her children joined the PKK, watched the ceremony of the Peace and Democratic Society Group from the screen. “Kurds must strengthen their unity and increase their struggle,” she said.
Mother sees her daughter at ceremony after 12 years: We want peace
Elif Oz, 45, saw her daughter at the ceremony held in Silêmanî (Sulaymaniyah) after 12 years, said: “We want peace and tranquillity. Mothers of soldiers should also raise their voices for peace.”
IHD Co-chair who followed ceremony: The state has no more excuse
Watching the ceremony of the Peace and Democratic Society Group, Huseyin Kucukbalaban, Co-Chair of the Human Rights Association (İHD), said, “The state has no more excuse,” and listed the steps that need to be taken.
Women figth for national unity: Goal is national congress
Tara Hussein, a member of the Kurdish Women's Union Platform, said, “We will hold our conference and then our ‘Kurdish Women's National Congress’. Women from all four parts of Kurdistan are working together for national unity.”