ANKARA, Turkey — The head of Turkey’s far-right nationalist party, who is an ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, suggested on Tuesday the possibility of granting parole to the imprisoned chief of a militant Kurdish organization under certain conditions. Devlet Bahceli’s unprecedented comments opened the door to the idea that Abdullah Ocalan, leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), could gain his freedom if he denounces violence and disbands his group.

Bahceli’s statement comes at a time when there is speculation about Erdogan attempting to secure backing from Turkey’s pro-Kurdish political faction in parliament, as he looks to enact a new constitution that could permit him to extend his tenure indefinitely. Currently, the existing constitution prohibits Erdogan, who has been in power since 2003 first as prime minister and then as president, from running for office again unless early elections occur.

The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party, known as DEM, ranks as the third-largest party in parliament and has long advocated for improved treatment of Ocalan, who has been serving a life sentence on a prison island near Istanbul since 1999. DEM claims that Ocalan is presently held in isolation.

Since 1984, the PKK has been engaged in a struggle for an autonomous state in Turkey’s southeastern region, leading to violence that has resulted in tens of thousands of fatalities. The PKK is categorized as a terrorist organization by Turkey and its allied countries in the West.

In his parliamentary address, Bahceli stated, “Let the terrorist leader unilaterally declare an end to terrorism and announce the dissolution of his organization.” He further remarked, “If the terrorist leader’s isolation is eased, let him attend a DEM gathering in the Turkish Grand National Assembly. If he exhibits this resolve, we can open a path toward the right to hope for rehabilitation and potential freedom.”

Previously, Bahceli had taken a tough stance against the PKK, firmly endorsing military actions against it and its affiliates in neighboring regions. He had consistently opposed any negotiations or peace talks with the group.

The response from DEM to Bahceli’s remarks was one of encouragement. Party co-chairwoman Tulay Hatimogullari said, “Let the isolation be lifted, let Mr. Ocalan come out and speak. We all deserve to hear what he has to say. An urgent step must be taken now before it is too late.”

Ocalan’s lawyer, Ibrahim Bilmez, also expressed approval of Bahceli’s comments. “Any call that meets legal standards and is in accordance with them is significant,” Bilmez stated, mentioning that he has submitted a request to have a meeting with Ocalan.