Statement from Minister Tunç Regarding DEM’s Request for a Meeting in İmralı
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç made important statements regarding the Democratic Action Assembly (DEM) Party’s request for a meeting with PKK terrorist organization leader Abdullah Öcalan. Tunç stated that the request was being evaluated by the Ministry of Justice and provided information about the legal process and permission requirements.
DEM’s Application for a Meeting in İmralı
The DEM Party submitted a petition requesting a face-to-face meeting with Abdullah Öcalan to the Ministry of Justice, requesting that this request be evaluated within the legal framework. This development has had a wide repercussion in the public opinion, and has also brought back to the agenda the call made by MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli in recent weeks that “there should be face-to-face contact between İmralı and the DEM group.”
Statements from the Minister of Justice
Answering journalists’ questions prior to the AK Party Group Meeting, Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç stated that the application was being reviewed and that the process was ongoing. Tunç said, “The DEM Party submitted its İmralı petition yesterday. Since he is a terrorist criminal, such meetings are subject to the permission of the Ministry of Justice. We will evaluate the petition within a reasonable period of time,” he said.
Minister Tunç reminded that a DEM Party deputy had a meeting with Abdullah Öcalan in recent months, and stated that this meeting also took place within a similar process. Tunç stated that the decision-making process was carried out carefully.
Legal Framework and Process
In Turkey, situations such as visiting or meeting with people convicted of terrorist crimes, especially organization leaders, are under strict control. While such meetings are subject to the permission of the Ministry of Justice, elements such as security and public order are taken into consideration. Minister Tunç emphasized that such processes are managed with sensitivity and will be evaluated in accordance with legal procedures.
Political and Public Debates
Following DEM’s application, this initiative created a public debate. While MHP leader Bahçeli’s statements were interpreted as support for the DEM Party’s request, other political parties approached this development from different perspectives. In particular, the political and social impacts of a meeting with İmralı are being emphasized.
While DEM Party officials have made statements that their demands will contribute to the peace and resolution process, some political circles and analysts state that this initiative can be evaluated as a political strategy.
Expectation of Outcome
This process, which began with the DEM Party’s demand, will become clear when the Ministry of Justice makes its final decision. The evaluation to be made by the Ministry will be completed with the cooperation of the relevant authorities, taking into account the legal and social impacts. Minister Tunç’s statement that “A response will be given within a reasonable period of time” is interpreted as the decision may be announced in the near future.
