Sırrı Süreyya Önder, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament and a member of the Imrali Delegation, passed away on May 3rd at the hospital where he was receiving treatment. A condolence ceremony was held at Istanbul's Cemal Reşit Rey Hall, where Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party Co-Chairs Tülay Hatimoğulları and Tuncer Bakırhan, along with Önder’s family, accepted condolences.

 

IRREPLACEABLE LOSS

 

Tayip Temel, speaking to Mezopotamya Agency (MA) about Önder’s legacy, emphasized how hard it was to accept his absence, noting that certain individuals, due to their vast impact and deep influence on people's lives, are hard to forget. "It’s difficult to get used to his absence, as he provided confidence and solved problems with great societal impact. Our party defines this as an irreplaceable loss, both politically and personally," said Temel.

 

STANDING BY THE STRUGGLES OF THE OPPRESSED

 

Temel highlighted Önder's personal philosophy of placing the struggles of oppressed people above his own interests. Temel said, "His sole concern was: ‘If I am doing politics, then it has meaning if I can prevent a Kurdish or Turkish youth from dying.’ He stood by the oppressed, regardless of their identity, and in spite of all attacks, he chose to support the Kurds.”

 

BELIEVING IN ÖCALAN’S PARADIGM FOR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

 

Temel discussed Önder's unique relationship with Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, emphasizing how Önder saw the truth of his democratic republic vision in Öcalan’s paradigm. Temel stressed: "Önder believed that a Democratic Turkey and a democratic republic were the path to salvation for the Kurdish people and all oppressed groups. He knew the solution to the Kurdish question is key to solving many other problems, and he trusted Öcalan’s approach without hesitation.”

 

FULFILLING HIS VISION FOR A FREE FUTURE

 

Temel also referred to Öcalan’s last message to Önder, highlighting the deep bond they shared, both as comrades and as individuals deeply concerned about society. "We promise to continue working with all our strength to keep the path Önder opened alive. We will walk more resolutely on the peace path he believed in, and we will work harder to build the country he dreamed of," Temel concluded.

 

A VOICE FOR PEACE AND COEXISTENCE

 

Finally, Temel described Önder as a person who, despite facing all kinds of attacks, continued to defend the truth and communicate with society. "Önder’s ability to turn negative situations into positive ones, whether through humor, storytelling, or a literary approach, contributed immensely to peace and hope for coexistence. Even during his illness and after his passing, he created an incredibly positive atmosphere," said Temel and added: "This is who Sırrı Süreyya Önder was."

 

MA / Ömer İbrahimoğlu