Main opposition CHP chairman meets with Kurdish HDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş at Edirne Prison

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel visited former HDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş at Edirne Prison, where they discussed various pressing issues facing Turkey. Demirtaş gave Özel a statement titled "We Hear the Cry of Women," which was later shared on social media. During their conversation, they focused on key issues such as justice, the economic crisis, and the importance of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) in resolving the country’s challenges. Özel stressed that achieving societal peace and development in Turkey requires the involvement of all actors, particularly emphasizing Demirtaş's significance as a key figure in the process. He highlighted the need for sincerity in the ongoing political discussions about the 'solution process,' a set of efforts aimed at addressing long-standing conflicts in the country. Özel reiterated that the CHP would not stand in the way of progress and is committed to ensuring the country moves forward without falling into actions that could be regretted in the future. In his remarks, Özel also referenced his upcoming visit to southeastern Turkey, emphasizing that it was important to meet with Demirtaş before visiting the region's people. He underlined the historical significance of unity between different groups in Turkey, likening the current efforts to the collective struggle that led to the founding of the Republic 100 years agoCHP . Finally, Özel pointed out the essential role of the TBMM in achieving meaningful outcomes for Turkey and expressed his commitment to maintaining dialogue with Demirtaş and other key figures, including Selçuk Mızraklı, in order to collaborate on future steps. He concluded by affirming that the CHP would be on the right side of history and would work toward solutions that benefit the entire nation.

Selahattin emirtaş: "Parliament is the solution institution for the problems in Turkey"

Following a visit from CHP Chairman Özgür Özel, former HDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş, currently imprisoned in Edirne, released a written statement emphasizing the importance of politics and the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) in solving Turkey’s issues. He thanked Özel for the visit and expressed that they had an open and productive discussion on various topics, including justice, economic inequality, democracy, foreign policy, the Kurdish issue, and women’s rights. Demirtaş stressed that political channels in Turkey have been blocked for years, and for any progress to be made in the "normalization" process mentioned by President Erdoğan, respect for the rule of law is essential. He reiterated that the solution lies in politics and the TBMM. Demirtaş also pointed to the injustices faced by political prisoners, such as those involved in the Kobani and Gezi trials, calling for their immediate release. He criticized the legal actions aimed at imposing a political ban on Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, describing them as unjust. Despite these challenges, Demirtaş affirmed his commitment to democratic politics and societal peace. Finally, Demirtaş expressed hope that his visit with Özel, although held in prison, would contribute to further dialogue and cooperation in the political sphere, and he sent his greetings to the CHP. He also promised to relay the content of the meeting to his party, DEM Party, through his lawyers.