MHP official confirms consensus on 'right to hope' for Öcalan

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

ANKARA, TÜRKIYE — Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Deputy Chairman Feti Yıldız announced that a political consensus has been reached regarding the "right to hope" for PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, following a critical parliamentary commission meeting. This development marks a significant step in the government's new approach to the Kurdish issue.

Speaking after the 5th meeting of the National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM), Yıldız confirmed that the People's Alliance (Cumhur İttifakı) is in full agreement. This follows MHP Leader Devlet Bahçeli’s recent statement: "Our decision is clear until Anatolia finds peace, Öcalan finds hope, the Ahmets [Türk and Özer] return to office, and Demirtaş returns to his home."

Consensus on legal adjustments

Addressing reporters, Yıldız stated that the commission has largely concluded its work and that all participating political parties have agreed on the "right to hope" — a legal concept involving the review of life imprisonment sentences with the prospect of release.

"We agreed on the right to hope, there is no problem. When the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) are complied with, these decisions already mention the right to hope. Our report will recommend compliance with ECHR decisions," Yıldız said. He emphasized that there is no serious difference of opinion within the alliance regarding the future of the country and national unity.

"April is too late" for legislation

Regarding the timeline for the necessary legal regulations, Yıldız indicated a sense of urgency. He noted that a framework text would be prepared and submitted to the Parliament.

"Once the groups in the Parliament agree, it will become a law proposal. Since it passes through here with a consensus, its enactment will not take very long. I don't think it will drag on," Yıldız explained. When asked if the process could extend to April, he responded, "In my opinion, April is a late month."

Decisions on Demirtaş up to the courts

When asked about a potential consensus on the release of former HDP Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş, Yıldız referred to judicial independence while signaling political openness to ECHR rulings.

"Courts decide on Demirtaş's release. It is necessary to comply with ECHR and Constitutional Court decisions. If the ECHR sees a violation and there is a statement regarding release, of course, he should be released," he said, adding that MHP Leader Bahçeli had already summarized the entire process in his recent group meeting.

Yıldız concluded by highlighting the security benefits of the current political climate, noting that no martyrs have been reported in the last 16 months, and reiterated that there is "no turning back" from this path.

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