In response to the arrest and extradition of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan to Turkey on 15 February 1999, and as part of the ongoing campaign, ‘Freedom for Öcalan: A Political Solution to the Kurdish Question’, Kurds and their supporters will gather in Strasbourg on 15 February 2025 for a historic event. Kurdish organisations throughout Europe are calling for widespread participation, underscoring the critical importance of this gathering.
A press conference was held at the Kurdish Democratic Centre in Dortmund, Germany, where prominent representatives of Kurdish organisations shared their perspectives.
Zübeyda Zümrüt, co-chair of KCDK-E, reflecting on the 26th anniversary of the international conspiracy that led to Abdullah Öcalan’s abduction and his imprisonment on Imralı Island, highlighted the ongoing isolation of the Kurdish leader.
Zümrüt stated:
“The isolation on Imralı Island continues unabated, serving as a mechanism of torture. For 26 years, Öcalan has consistently advocated for a political solution to the Kurdish issue with unwavering determination. Despite the existence of the ‘Right to Hope’ law, which applies to all political prisoners, the AKP-MHP regime has made no meaningful progress. The ongoing torture and isolation constitute a blatant violation of fundamental rights. The resolution of the Kurdish issue hinges on Öcalan’s release, and we will demand his physical freedom at the 15 February march in Strasbourg.”
During the press conference, Engin Sever, co-chair of KCK-E, emphasised the growing momentum of the campaign for Öcalan’s freedom. Sever declared:
“As representatives of KCK-Europe, we are fully committed to advancing the cause of Öcalan’s freedom with all the strength and unity at our disposal. Öcalan is the key figure and the central address for resolving the Kurdish issue in the Middle East. It is imperative that all Kurds and their supporters unite in Strasbourg on February 15 to demand his release and seek a lasting resolution to the Kurdish question.”
In the meeting, Ayten Kaplan, spokesperson for KCDK-E, also addressed the urgent political situation, highlighting that despite a one-year deadline set by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe for Turkey to improve Öcalan’s conditions, isolation and systematic torture persist. Kaplan stated:
“The inhumane conditions on Imralı remain a grave injustice. The ongoing isolation of Öcalan is a clear call to intensify our campaign for his freedom and a political solution to the Kurdish issue.”
Kaplan also addressed the situation in Northern and Eastern Kurdistan, within the borders of Turkey and Iran, with particular emphasis on the policies of the Islamic Republic, which seek to undermine the ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’ (‘Women, Life, Freedom’) revolution. She concluded:
“Achieving peace in the Middle East and realising democracy are inseparably tied to Öcalan’s release. The continuation of his isolation underscores the urgent need to intensify the Freedom for Öcalan’ campaign, which is dedicated to securing a lasting political solution for the Kurdish people.”
Concluding the press conference, Kaplan stressed that Kurds and their allies, by attending the historic gathering in Strasbourg, would deliver a powerful message:
“Öcalan stands as a pioneering force in the fight for freedom and democracy in the Middle East. His release is not only vital for the Kurdish cause but also for the wider struggle for justice across the region.”
In this context, Nilufer Koç, a member of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK), addressed the discussions surrounding Öcalan’s right to hope for physical freedom. She called on all Kurds and their allies to join the crucial march on 15 February.
Given the urgency of the current situation and the call from Kurdish organisations, a significant turnout of Kurds is anticipated at the 15 February 15th demonstration.
