ISTANBUL (AP) — Sirri Sureyya Onder, a prominent figure in Turkey's ongoing efforts to resolve the longstanding Kurdish conflict, passed away on Saturday at the age of 62. The Florence Nightingale Hospital in Istanbul's Sisli district reported that Onder died from multiple organ failure, 18 days after being hospitalized following a heart attack.
Onder was a member of parliament representing the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party, known as the DEM Party. He was recognized for his role in engaging with jailed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan, aiming to explore avenues for establishing peace in a conflict that has persisted for over four decades and resulted in tens of thousands of deaths.
In a notable political endeavor just last month, Onder and fellow DEM Party lawmaker Pervin Buldan met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss the construction of a framework intended to cease hostilities between the Turkish state and Kurdish forces. The peace process gained significant momentum in February when Ocalan publicly called for the disbandment of the PKK, which is categorized as a terrorist organization by Turkey and many Western nations. Following this announcement, the PKK declared a ceasefire just days later. Erdogan emphasized the importance of these developments, referring to them as a "historic step toward tearing down the wall of terror" that has segregated Turks and Kurds for years.
The DEM Party conveyed their condolences to the people of Turkey, Onder's family, and loved ones in a formal statement. They highlighted that honoring Onder's memory involves a commitment to pursue success in the peace initiative he passionately supported throughout his life. Parliamentary Speaker Numan Kurtulmus expressed that Onder was "a valuable person who earned everyone's respect with his political stance, kindness, and modest personality."
Before his political career, Onder was a well-known film actor and director. His calm demeanor and humor distinguished him in Turkey's often tumultuous political landscape during his tenure as deputy parliament speaker. Although he was not of Kurdish ethnicity, Onder dedicated his political life to advocating for pro-Kurdish parties, first entering parliament in 2011.
Throughout his life, Onder faced multiple incarcerations, including a seven-year sentence in his youth for participating in protests against a military coup in 1980. He was imprisoned again in 2018 due to a speech he delivered five years earlier. Additionally, Onder played a significant role in a prior peace initiative aimed at resolving the Kurdish conflict, participating in discussions from 2013 to 2015.
His passing marks the loss of a significant advocate for peace in a region plagued by conflict, underscoring the continued need for dialogue and resolution in Turkey’s complicated political landscape.
