Sabri Ok calls for leader Ocalan's immediate release

Following the press conference held today in Qandil, Southern Kurdistan, Ok answered questions from journalists.

Responding to a question about the comprehensive legal framework mentioned in the statement, Ok said:

“This work, which has advanced through important steps so far in accordance with our people’s expectations and aspirations, requires the implementation of certain temporary legal measures. We must recognize that something has indeed changed within the legal sphere as a result of our movement’s efforts. This remains an ongoing process, not the end of it. With each step, the process gains new momentum.

We are calling for special laws concerning the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), or laws tailored to this process in particular. This is not a simple amnesty; a 50-year-long struggle has brought us to this point. We have reached a crucial juncture thanks to the great efforts of Leader Apo. Specific legal amendments might be required to reflect the uniqueness of this stage.

Naturally, everyone is asking — and rightly so — what these highly anticipated steps will entail, and what changes they might bring. We hope that the relevant authorities and the Turkish state will act responsibly and take the necessary steps in this historic moment.”

Leader Ocalan’s physical freedom must be achieved

When asked what specific expectations they have from Turkey, Ok replied:

“There has never been a case in history comparable to that of the Kurdish people. No leader or movement has ever attempted to achieve peace and a solution while imprisoned. Those pursuing peace must be free. Leader Apo has not yet been granted his physical freedom, yet he continues to shoulder a historic responsibility. His physical freedom must be ensured as soon as possible — this is now a matter of broad public debate.”

Parliamentary committee must visit Imrali without delay

Commenting on the work of the newly established parliamentary committee, Ok said:

“It was an important step — a committee composed of multiple parties, formally named and given significance. We also view it as important. We do not criticize its work so far, but it has not yet fulfilled its mission completely.

The issue is that, alongside our movement, many other organizations, civil society groups, and the public have been consulted — but the committee must now go directly to İmralı and listen to Leader Apo. That is the essential step. He initiated and has led this process; therefore, his voice must be heard as soon as possible. We expect everyone to fulfill their duties in this regard.”

Everyone must fulfill their responsibilities

Ok continued:“The Turkish state occasionally issues statements. As we said in our declaration, this is a struggle — we do not expect everything from others. Everyone must play their part and act responsibly. We believe this will yield positive results.”

When asked what would happen if Ankara failed to act on the statement, Ok responded:

“Let us think positively. We expect all parties to assume responsibility for this historic step that we have taken.”

Impact on southern Kurdistan and the wider Middle East

Asked whether Turkey might withdraw its forces from Southern Kurdistan following this historic step, Ok said:

“After fifty years of conflict, the historical, social, and global realities of Kurdistan are becoming clearer. It has been proposed that Leader Apo should guide politics according to a new model. We will continue our struggle on this basis, and we expect all relevant actors to assume their responsibilities.

If this is done, the process will have significant effects not only on South Kurdistan but also across the Middle East. We insist that everyone — including the Turkish state — must fulfill their responsibilities.”

Finally, when asked what would happen if no response were given to this step, Ok concluded:

“We do not wish to consider that possibility. The Kurdish question cannot be solved while Leader Apo remains imprisoned. He must live and act freely — his physical freedom must be ensured.”

ANHA