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DEM Party’s Koçyiğit Reveals Key Details of İmralı Meeting: Öcalan Warned of “Coup Dynamics” if Process Fails

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DEM Party MP Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit has shared new details about last week’s landmark visit to İmralı Prison, describing the meeting with PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan as a “critical threshold” in the ongoing Terror-Free Türkiye political process. Speaking to Mezopotamya Agency, Koçyiğit said Öcalan framed the current dialogue as decisive for both disarmament discussions and the broader democratic resolution of the Kurdish question.

According to Koçyiğit, Öcalan stressed that political actors “must succeed,” warning that “if we fail, coup dynamics will come into play.” She said the imprisoned PKK leader also expressed disappointment that CHP declined to join the multi-party parliamentary delegation, adding: “I wish CHP had come as well.”

Only an audio recording—not video—was taken during the meeting.

“He greeted us warmly, said he has followed us closely”

Koçyiğit said Öcalan entered the room “energetic, smiling, in high spirits,” greeting each member individually. She noted that his physical condition appeared good.

Öcalan reportedly told the delegation he knew them “from public discussions” and followed the parliamentary work closely.

Delegation members addressed him using formal language (“you”), while Öcalan addressed them by name.

Women’s participation and ‘freedom perspective’

As the only woman in the delegation, Koçyiğit asked Öcalan whether he wished to deliver a message ahead of 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

Öcalan responded by condemning “a culture of killings in the streets” and emphasized that his political framework “places women’s freedom at its core.”

Why the meeting marked a ‘historic threshold’

Koçyiğit said the visit was crucial because, for the first time, a parliamentary commission—rather than state officials or party delegations—met with Öcalan.

She highlighted several points:

  • Öcalan views himself not only as the interlocutor for a ceasefire or disarmament, but also for a political and democratic solution to the Kurdish question.

  • The visit aligned with Öcalan’s earlier calls for the process to move into the parliamentary and political arena.

  • The meeting confirmed that the Kurdish issue is “not merely a security matter,” but one requiring political negotiation.

Koçyiğit said restricting Öcalan to the narrow role of a “military interlocutor” reflects a mindset trying to block his political relevance.

Historical framing: Kurdish–Turkish alliances

Öcalan reportedly drew on long-term historical narratives, arguing that Kurdish–Turkish cooperation has historically produced gains for both peoples, while ruptures have led to mutual losses.

He also described the past year of political developments—including President Erdoğan’s speech in Ahlat and MHP leader Bahçeli’s visit to the DEM Party benches—as signs of an emerging “will for a new phase.”

Democratic transformation, not just disarmament

According to Koçyiğit, Öcalan stressed that the core issue is not merely “laying down arms,” but democratic reconstruction:

  • The state must undergo democratic reform.

  • Society must strengthen its civic organization and self-representation.

  • A legal and political framework must be established for a “Democratic Republic.”

Öcalan reportedly said the February 27 PKK disarmament/f dissolution declaration reflected a state-level consensus and highlighted that the ceasefire had been upheld without interruption.

Syria, SDG and the 10 March Agreement

A significant portion of the meeting focused on Syria.

Koçyiğit said Öcalan gave a detailed assessment:

  • He warned that without genuine democratization, the emerging Shara administration could evolve “into another dictatorship.”

  • He emphasized local democracy—communes, assemblies, and autonomous civic structures—as indispensable.

  • On the SDG’s (SDF/YPG) future, Öcalan highlighted the importance of the 10 March Agreement between Mazlum Abdi and the Syrian interim administration, saying it must be implemented.

Öcalan reportedly suggested a dual structure:

  • Military forces integrated into the national army under the Ministry of Defence.

  • Local security forces under the Interior Ministry.

He also stated openly: “If conditions allow, they will listen to me. I can help resolve many issues.”

Questions from the AK Party and MHP delegation members

Koçyiğit said AKP’s Fethi Yıldız and MHP’s Hüseyin Yayman concentrated on:

  • The YPG/SDG’s future

  • Whether disarmament is possible

  • Implementation of the 10 March Agreement

  • Control of oil revenues in northern Syria

These issues formed the core of the cross-party delegation’s inquiries.

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