Weekly Turkey Report: 2nd Week of May

Following a call from Abdullah Öcalan, the PKK convened its 12th Congress and, with Öcalan joining by phone, reportedly decided to abandon its armed struggle and dissolve itself. Some media outlets had claimed this historic decision would be announced on Mother’s Day, May 11—but it wasn’t.

Tuncer Bakırhan, co-chair of the pro-Kurdish DEM Party, appeared on Habertürk Sunday night and commented on the ongoing process. Referring to the congress convened by the PKK, he stated that the decisions taken would be made public in the coming days. He also dismissed speculation about backroom negotiations: “There is no bargaining going on behind closed doors, as some suggest. I personally visited İmralı Island.”

The PKK, which held its congress between May 5–7, stated that the results and the “historic decisions” taken would be shared soon. The congress was convened upon Öcalan’s request, and the organization evaluated his proposals and perspective. The final statement affirmed that “decisions of historic significance” were adopted. Full details and documents will be made public once results from two different areas of deliberation are consolidated.

Meanwhile, Takvim newspaper reported that Öcalan underwent eye surgery in Ankara and joined the congress by phone afterward.

In response to the developments, the DEM Party issued an eight-point statement, declaring: “A new chapter is opening on the path toward honorable peace and democratic resolution. As the DEM Party, we believe that after this historic turning point, all democratic institutions—especially the Grand National Assembly of Turkey—must assume responsibility to resolve the Kurdish issue and truly democratize Turkey.”

President and AKP leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, commenting after the PKK’s congress and the expected dissolution announcement, said: “You may receive good news at any moment—and you will.” He emphasized the government’s commitment to a “terror-free Turkey,” adding: “We are moving forward with firm steps. Our intelligence and security agencies are diligently fulfilling their duties. We are monitoring every development without leaving the slightest gap. We believe we will reach a Turkey free of terrorism.”

Whether this process leads to a return to rule of law and democratic reform remains to be seen. However, if Turkey’s society can channel the moment into building judicial independence and a democratic state, all segments of society may benefit. In the short term, expectations include the release of Kurdish political prisoners such as Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ, the end of trustee appointments to municipalities, the reinstatement of elected mayors, and expanded freedom of movement for Öcalan on İmralı Island.

Internationally, the withdrawal of the PKK—which remains designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and EU—could ease constraints on the Kurdish movement in Europe. It may open greater space for organizing, advocacy, and press freedom within the diaspora.

Meanwhile, European institutions issued sharp criticism of Erdoğan and his regime. The European Parliament adopted its annual report on Turkey, authored by Spanish MEP Nacho Sánchez Amor. The report reiterated there is “no shortcut to membership” and called for rethinking relations outside the stalled accession process. A debate on the report held on May 6 saw low attendance, with Sánchez Amor addressing a nearly empty chamber.

Sánchez Amor also commented on recent Turkish media speculation that Turkey’s military strength could force open the EU’s doors: “That’s not going to happen. There is no shortcut to EU membership.”

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos emphasized concerns over human rights and democracy, stating: “It is crucial that Turkey clarify the nature of its relationship with the EU and align its actions accordingly. Ultimately, the depth and quality of our cooperation depend on mutual commitment and constructive engagement.”

In contrast, Erdoğan received more favorable messages from Washington and Moscow. He held a phone call with U.S. President Trump, who later said they had a “very good and productive” conversation touching on Ukraine, Syria, Gaza, and more. Trump also shared that Erdoğan had invited him to Turkey and that Erdoğan would, in turn, visit Washington. Trump praised their past cooperation, including the release of Pastor Andrew Brunson, and expressed his willingness to work with Erdoğan to end the “senseless but deadly” war in Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin also gave Erdoğan what he has long sought: international recognition. Putin announced he was willing to hold peace talks with Ukraine in Istanbul. Ukrainian President Zelensky, who had initially demanded a ceasefire, agreed to the meeting after Trump’s involvement. The two leaders are expected to meet in Istanbul on May 15.

Domestically, the Erdoğan regime took further steps to suppress dissent. While claiming that the media ecosystem has become “freer, richer, and more diverse” under AKP rule, Erdoğan lashed out at street interviews. Following his remarks, several street journalists were detained.

Another clampdown involved Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. His primary X (Twitter) account, with 10 million followers, was blocked. After switching to a secondary account with half a million followers, that too was restricted. X stated: “While we are complying with the order, we strongly disagree and object to it. Non-compliance risks platform-wide restrictions. We believe access to our service in Turkey is critical, especially during emergencies, for freedom of expression and access to information.”

Another key domestic development was Erdoğan’s visit to MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli—his first since Bahçeli’s surgery. The two met face-to-face at Bahçeli’s home on Türkmenbeyi Street in Ankara. The half-hour meeting ended with Bahçeli seeing Erdoğan off at the door.

Opposition activities also faced obstacles. A CHP rally planned at Beyazıt Square under the theme “Defending the National Will” was left without adequate lighting. CHP Deputy Group Chair Ali Mahir Başarır said the police prevented their mobile lighting equipment from entering the area: “They blocked our lights. The same people who have darkened Turkey are now trying to darken this square.”

In a related development, 26 people—including CHP Istanbul Chair Özgür Çelik—were indicted over the protests that occurred outside the Istanbul Courthouse on January 31, 2025, when İmamoğlu arrived to give testimony in two separate investigations. The charges carry sentences of up to 15 years and 6 months.

Last week, a new police operation took place across 47 provinces, coordinated from Gaziantep. The operation targeted mostly university students, relying on family ties and social circles as grounds for detention—despite the absence of any concrete criminal acts. It revealed a troubling use of ideological accusations in the absence of legal evidence.

The young detainees were subjected to absurd and unlawful questions such as:

• “Why did you travel abroad?”

• “Who bought your plane ticket? Who did you go with? Where did you stay?”

• “Why did you send money to your roommate?”

• “Have any of your family members ever been detained?”

As a result of this questioning, 225 people were taken into custody. Unfortunately, 77 individuals were arrested following legally questionable assessments. Another 125 were released under judicial control, while 23 were released after giving police statements.