Turkish Parliament Commission Approves Visit to Imrali: CHP Walks Out

WISE NEWS PRESS / ANKARA, TURKEY — NOVEMBER 21, 2025

The Turkish Parliament's Commission on National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy has officially approved a visit to Imrali Island to meet with imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan. The decision, taken during a tense session on Tuesday, marks a significant development following MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli's recent call for engagement.

The proposal passed with 32 votes in favor, 2 against (DSP and DP), and 3 abstentions. A request to conduct the meeting via the SEGBİS video-conferencing system was rejected. Political parties are expected to submit the names of their delegates to the Speaker of the Parliament tomorrow, with the visit scheduled to take place within a few days.

Political maneuvering and delegation details

The decision follows weeks of speculation after Bahçeli stated he would personally go to Imrali if necessary. MHP Deputy Chairman Feti Yıldız confirmed his party's intent to participate, declaring, "I will go on behalf of the MHP." The ruling AKP, through Group Chairman Abdullah Güler, also expressed support for the visit as part of the People's Alliance.

The approved delegation will reportedly include Feti Yıldız (MHP), Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit (DEM Party), and Hüseyin Yayman (AKP).

Closed session sparks controversy

The commission meeting, chaired by Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, shifted to a closed session to discuss sensitive intelligence briefings. This move drew sharp criticism from the main opposition CHP. "It is not right to hold a meeting discussing a visit to Imrali in secret from our nation," stated CHP Group Deputy Chairman Murat Emir.

Emir announced that the CHP would not assign a member to the delegation, arguing that technology should be used instead of a physical visit and criticizing the government for failing to take concrete steps on broader issues like trustee appointments and court rulings. Following the decision to close the session, CHP members walked out in protest.

DEM Party welcomes the decision

In contrast, the pro-Kurdish DEM Party welcomed the decision as a historic step towards peace. "We view the decision to go to Imrali as the most concrete expression of Turkey's democratic maturity and will for peace," the party said in a statement. Co-chairs Tülay Hatimoğulları and Tuncer Bakırhan thanked President Erdoğan, Bahçeli, and Parliament Speaker Kurtulmuş for their roles in the process, expressing hope that the dialogue would open a new chapter for democratization and conflict resolution in Turkey.

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