Turkish leader hints at possible freedom for long-time PKK chief
During last years Republic Day event Turkish president showed support for an unexpected prisoner-release plan. The suggestion came from his nationalist partner about letting PKK founder walk free under strict terms
At the Turkish Republics anniversary celebration in late-23 Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a thought-provoking statement: he backed an out-of-the-blue idea from his political ally about Abdullah Ocalans possible release
The suggestion came from nationalist party chief Devlet Bahceli who brought up an un-heard of plan: letting the PKK founder walk free if he meets certain requirements. The terms were clear-cut — Ocalan would need to stop all violent acts and make his group break-up
Erdogans reaction to this ground-breaking proposal showed his open-minded stance; he didnt reject the idea outright (which surprised many political watchers). The whole thing happened at a big state event marking 101 years since Turkey became a republic: quite a setting for such news
The PKK leaders potential freedom — after being behind bars for decades — would need him to follow strict rules: giving up armed conflict completely and making sure his group doesnt exist anymore. This idea coming from Bahceli‚ whos known for his tough nationalist views made it even more unexpected
