Member of the İmralı Delegation for the Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Sırrı Süreyya Önder died yesterday at Florence Nightingal Hospital where he was being treated. Önder is being sent off to his last journey. Thousands of people flocked to Atatürk Cultural Centre (AKM) in Taksim early in the morning for Önder. Thousands of people from all segments of society, especially the art and politics community, gathered at AKM.

 

Body of Önder was carried to the stage by his family and loved ones. Thousands of people gave a standing ovation for minutes. After a moment of silence, a cinevision show was shown. Firstly, his daughter Ceren Önder Kandemir read the letter she wrote to her father. 

 

Then the message sent by Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan for Önder was read on stage.

 

Abdullah Öcalan’s message reads as follows:

 

"With the passing of dear Sırrı Süreyya Önder, a deep sorrow has settled in our hearts.

 

He was a very valuable person, a true child of the peoples. Anatolia and the Turkmen tradition have lost one of their greatest sons; all the communities and peoples of our geography have lost a great comrade. I hold deep respect for his memory.

 

On 27 February, during our last meeting, he personally took note of the final sentence we added to our call, writing it down with his own hands, and he wanted to read it himself.

 

He had an unforgettable diligence and devotion to living together in peace. He possessed the rare skill of turning every negative into something positive. He was a true identity and culture of peace.

 

He knew very well what peace and the peace process could bring to all of us, and this was his deepest longing. This hope can never be left incomplete. What matters for all of us is to carry this spirit into peace and to crown it in the name of Sırrı Süreyya Önder.

 

Once again, I express my eternal respect for his memory; I extend my condolences to his beloved family, friends, loved ones, and all our peoples.

 

My deepest condolences to all of us.

 

Abdullah Öcalan." 

 

After the message was read, slogans of "Biji serok Apo (Long live Leader Apo)" were raised in the hall.