Following Abdullah Ocalan’s call, the 30-member Peace and Democratic Society Group destroyed their weapons in a ceremony held on July 11 in Şikefta Casenê (Jasene Cave), located in Silêmanî (Sulaymaniyah) region of the Federated Kurdistan Region. 

 

Mizrak, who attended the ceremony, stated that while Ocalan and the PKK have taken concrete steps, it is now the state’s turn to act. 

 

Highlighting the historical significance of Şikefra Casenê, a site of multiple resistance movements such as those led by Mehmud Berzenci and the Babanzadeler, Mizrak said the ceremony reflected Ocalan’s and the PKK’s fulfilment of their responsibilities in line with the spirit of the process. “The state must now take sincere steps to convince society and build trust,” he added. 

 

Mizrak described the ongoing process as unprecedented compared to global peace experiences and conflict resolutions, emphasizing it should be seen as a positive goodwill initiative. Referencing Devlet Bahceli’s remark that “peace is not a one-winged dove,” he underlined that healthy progress requires the state to implement legal and constitutional reforms. These should address both the integration of militants and the Kurdish issue that gave rise to the organization. 

 

THE STRUCTURE OF THE COMMISSION

 

Referring to President Erdoğan’s announcement about establishing a commission, Mızrak argued many steps could be taken without waiting for it. He cited the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruling on Selahattin Demirtaş, insisting that political prisoners’ release should not be postponed pending commission formation. He also mentioned that releases related to ill prisoners and penal reforms could proceed without such a body. Mızrak called for parliamentary commissions to be inclusive forums where all views are represented and warned against bureaucratizing the process.

 

‘PREVENTING PROVOCATION’

 

Mızrak noted that the peace process cannot be separated from developments in the Middle East. He warned that prolonging the process amid ongoing regional conflicts could fuel provocations.  As part of their contribution, the Amed Bar Association has held meetings with political parties and organized workshops, emphasizing that commissions must include all stakeholders. Failure to do so could jeopardize the process’s success.

 

‘THE RIGHT TO HOPE MUST BE UPHELD’

 

Recalling the ECHR’s “right to hope” ruling, Mızrak stressed that all parties need equal and free working conditions for a healthy process. He noted Öcalan’s isolation has not fully ended, despite meetings with family, politicians, and lawyers being permitted under state supervision. “The ECHR ruled that Öcalan should serve no more than 25 years; he has already been imprisoned since 1999 — 26 years. The process’s spirit must be based on his physical freedom and conditions for free political work,” Mızrak said. He added that the “right to hope” extends beyond Öcalan to thousands serving aggravated life sentences and that reforms should reflect this.

 

Mızrak concluded that all segments of society must be included in the process. He expressed confidence that the Kurdish public in the region is ready and that if this energy connects with the west, the process can succeed.

 

MA / Mujdat Can