Turkish Nationalist Leader Bahceli Calls for Release of Jailed Pro-Kurdish Politician Demirtas

Unexpected Call for Release

Devlet Bahceli, leader of Turkey's far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and a key ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, stated on November 4, 2025, that the release of former pro-Kurdish party co-chair Selahattin Demirtas from prison 'would be beneficial for Türkiye'. This unexpected declaration came after a parliamentary meeting in Ankara, where Bahceli addressed reporters.

Bahceli's remarks followed the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rejecting Turkey's final appeal against its earlier ruling that found Demirtas's rights had been violated and called for his immediate release.

A Shift in Political Dynamics

The statement from Bahceli marks a dramatic rhetorical turn, given the MHP's historical hardline stance against Kurdish political movements. The MHP, known for its ultranationalist ideology, has traditionally been a fierce opponent of broader Kurdish rights agendas and has often sought the closure of pro-Kurdish parties.

This development is seen within the context of a broader, ongoing process of reconciliation and peace negotiations between the Turkish government and Kurdish groups. Bahceli himself had previously called for a peace process with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has since agreed to disarm and dissolve.

Selahattin Demirtas's Imprisonment

Selahattin Demirtas, a prominent Kurdish politician and former co-chair of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), has been incarcerated since November 2016 on terrorism-related charges, which he denies. In May 2024, a Turkish court sentenced him to a combined total of 42 years in prison for his alleged role in deadly protests that occurred in 2014 during the siege of Kobani. He has also received other sentences, including for 'insulting the president' and 'terrorist propaganda'.

The ECHR has repeatedly ruled that Demirtas's imprisonment violates his rights, including freedom of expression and liberty, and has called for his immediate release.

Implications and Reactions

Demirtas welcomed Bahceli's comments from prison, describing them as 'breaking taboos' and expressing gratitude for the 'courage' shown. He emphasized that 'this bond of brotherhood will be strengthened by the work we undertake to ensure freedom, justice and peace.' Other opposition parties, including the pro-Kurdish DEM Party (successor to the HDP) and the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), also welcomed the call for Demirtas's release, urging immediate implementation of the ECHR ruling.

This unexpected endorsement from a figure like Bahceli suggests a potential shift in Turkey's approach to its Kurdish minority and could pave the way for significant reforms and address long-standing grievances.