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The decision by the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) to hold a rally demanding the freedom of imprisoned PKK ringleader Abdullah Ocalan has sparked a new debate in Türkiye, drawing unexpected support from nationalist leader Devlet Bahceli.
The DEM Party announced it will organize the rally in Diyarbakir on Jan. 4. This event marks the largest demonstration seeking Ocalan's freedom since the "terror-free Türkiye" peace process began in October 2024.
The announcement came while the government was discussing legal regulations for PKK members to lay down arms and return to society. Critics argued that holding a rally for Ocalan's release during such a delicate period amounts to damaging the process.
However, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli dismissed these concerns and supported the party's right to demonstrate.
"First of all, I must say that everyone and every political party has the right to hold assembly, demonstration and open-air meetings within the legitimate limits of freedom of expression and thought," Bahceli said.
Bahceli drew a parallel between the planned event and the opposition's activities. "In an environment where the Republican People's Party (CHP) has held 75 rallies so far, the DEM Party holding a rally is not an issue to be exaggerated," he stated.
"In my opinion, there is nothing objectionable about the rally to be held on Jan. 4, 2026. Of course, they can gather and voice their expectations and demands. What is wrong with this?"
Bahceli added that he finds the DEM Party's steps toward becoming a mainstream party valuable and warned against attributing "extraordinary meaning to an ordinary development."
The main opposition CHP has been holding weekly rallies since March, following the arrest of Istanbul Mayor and presidential candidate Ekrem Imamoglu in a corruption probe.
The peace process, which began with Bahceli's call to Ocalan in 2024, recently saw the PKK announce that it has ended its armed activities in Türkiye.
While the organization is expected to dissolve itself, discussions are also underway regarding the SDF laying down arms in Syria and integrating into the newly established government.
Meanwhile, legal work concerning the surrender conditions for armed PKK members is ongoing. However, it remains unknown whether this legal framework covers the release of Ocalan.
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