THE TRIAL OF OCALAN

In: Dissent: a journal devoted to radical ideas and the values of socialism and democracy, S. 27-30

Abstract

MANY KURDS IN TURKEY WERE STUNNED BY KURDISH REBEL LEADER ABDULLAH OCALAN'S STATEMENTS DURING HIS TRIAL FOR TREASON. INSTEAD OF MAKING A POLITICAL DEFENSE, THE REBEL CHIEF SIMPLY APOLOGIZED FOR HIS ACTIONS. MANY BELIEVE HE THOUGHT HE COULD SAVE HIS OWN LIFE BY STATING THAT THE PKK'S BATTLE SHOULD HAVE ENDED YEARS AGO AND THAT HE WAS READY TO SERVE THE TURKISH REPUBLIC. INSTEAD, OCALAN'S TACTIC BACKFIRED AND HE WAS CONVICTED OF TREASON AND SENTENCED TO HANG. NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS TO THE REBEL LEADER, THE KURDISH PROBLEM WILL REMAIN AS LONG AS ANKARA DENIES KURDS THEIR IDENTITY AND PRACTICES A SELECTIVE DEMOCRACY. IT IS NOT OCALAN OR THE PKK THAT ANKARA NEEDS TO NEGOTIATE WITH. IT NEEDS TO RESPECT HUMAN RIGHTS AND ALLOW THE KURDS THEIR FREEDOM.