MHP leader says new two-story building erected for Öcalan on İmralı Island

In a recorded interview at MHP headquarters, party leader Devlet Bahçeli confirmed that a new two-story building has been erected for Abdullah Öcalan on İmralı Island, describing it as a comfortable house with a front garden that would allow a normal daily routine. He said Öcalan has refused to occupy the residence because he is awaiting a “status” that would give him a role in the peace initiative’s bodies. Unnamed state sources described the lower floor as an office and meeting area and the upper floor as living quarters, with a walled garden of soil and concrete.

Former AKP MP Şamil Tayyar posted that the structure is a 250-square-metre duplex villa with internet, video links and other equipment, and that Öcalan already uses the office portion. Earlier, Justice Minister Akın Gürlek had denied the existence of a dedicated residence, stating only an administrative compound existed and that new buildings could be added as needed. No new official comment has been issued since Bahçeli’s remarks.