The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has announced the successful completion of its 12th Congress, held between 5 and 7 May in the Medya Defense Zones. According to an official written statement released on Friday by the PKK’s Presidency, the congress was conducted simultaneously in two different locations, with participation from delegates representing all branches of the organization.
The congress was reportedly convened following a call by the group’s imprisoned leader, Abdullah Öcalan, referred to by the party as “Leader Apo.” Delegates began the proceedings by greeting Öcalan “with longing and respect” and reading and evaluating his proposals and perspectives submitted to the congress.
The PKK described the event as having taken “decisions of historic importance,” though specific details have yet to be released. The party leadership stated that full outcomes and documents from the congress will be shared publicly once results from both congress locations are consolidated.
Held during what the group calls the “Month of Martyrs,” the congress also served to commemorate those who have died over the course of the PKK’s 52-year struggle. Particular mention was made of Haki Karer, the PKK’s first known martyr, and Sırrı Süreyya Önder, a longtime associate of Öcalan who was acknowledged for his contributions to preparing the congress before his recent death.
The PKK used the occasion to call on what it terms “patriotic people” and “democratic socialist forces” to uphold the national and democratic values it claims to have established during its decades-long armed and political struggle.
The statement concluded with renewed calls to intensify the campaign for Öcalan’s release and for broader support for the PKK’s stated vision of a democratic society and peace in the region.
The PKK remains designated a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. Despite this, the group continues to exercise political and military influence in Kurdish-majority areas across Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Iran.
Further updates are expected once the party releases the full documentation and decisions from the congress.