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6d ago

Sirri Sureyya Onder, Key Figure in Kurdish Peace Talks, Dies at 62

The veteran lawmaker and cultural icon passed away after a health crisis, leaving a legacy as a bridge-builder in Turkey's decades-long Kurdish conflict.

FILE - Lawmaker of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democracy Party Sirri Sureyya Onder speaks to the media after talks with Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Ankara, Turkey, Wednesday, July 15, 2015. (AP Photo/File)
Green Left Party's candidate for parliament Sirri Sureyya Onder speaks to supporters during a rally ahead of the May 14 presidential and parliamentary elections, in Istanbul, Turkey May 13, 2023. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo
Sirri Sureyya Onder died after undergoing heart following a cardiac arrest on April 15
Onder met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan just days before he collapsed

Overview

  • Onder died on May 3, 2025, from multiple organ failure following a heart attack, aortic rupture, and 18 days in intensive care.
  • He played a critical role in recent peace efforts, meeting both President Erdogan and jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan to pursue a resolution to the four-decade conflict.
  • Onder was instrumental in the PKK's March 2025 ceasefire and previously served as a key intermediary in the 2013-2015 peace talks.
  • A member of the pro-Kurdish DEM Party, he served as deputy parliamentary speaker and used his platform to advocate for peace despite facing imprisonment and legal challenges.
  • His death has drawn condolences from across Turkey, with his party vowing to continue his work toward achieving lasting peace.