Europe has witnessed numerous celebrations marking the 45th anniversary of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). These events, spread across several cities, placed an emphasis on Kurdish unity and the role of group’s founder Abdullah Öcalan.
Duisburg, Germany: Approximately 800 people attended an event organised by the Duisburg and Düsseldorf Democratic Kurdish Community Centres (DKTM). Kurdish politician Ahmet Aktaş and Fatma Özer, Co-chair of the Martyr Families Association (KOMAW), delivered speeches.
Sydney, Australia: Gülfer Olan, Co-president of the Australian Democratic Kurdish Community Federation, and Brûsk Geverî from DKTM, spoke on the importance of Öcalan and Kurdish unity.
Innsbruck, Austria: The event organised by Innsbruck DKTM commenced with a minute’s silence for the fallen. Ahmet Zirek of the Kurdish Centre for Public Relations (Civaka Azad) highlighted the PKK’s significance in the Middle East.
Cologne, Germany: The celebration included Kurds from various cities, with speeches by Engin Sever of the Congress of Democratic Kurdish Societies in Europe (KCDK-E) and Kurdish politician Hacı Çelik.
Mannheim, Germany: This event featured Halis Doğan, Co-president of the Mannheim Kurdish People’s Assembly, and messages from Die Linke party, criticising Germany’s stance on the PKK.
Bellinzona, Switzerland: A torch-lit march highlighted Öcalan’s isolation, complemented by a statement from the Kurdish Youth Movement and Co-president Recep Akkamış.
Strasbourg, France: The event included speeches by Fikret Çelik of Strasbourg DKTM, Kurdish politician Mehmet Ağaç, and DKTM member Veli Tekiner.
Montpellier, France: The anniversary was celebrated with cultural performances and speeches, with Yüksel Koç of the KCDK-E Executive Board highlighting the efforts being made for Öcalan’s freedom.
Berlin, Germany: The event, organised by DEST-DAN Women’s Council and NAV-Berlin, focused on the PKK’s role in the Kurdish rights struggle.
Celebrations also took place in Mantes la Jolie, Marseille, Bordeaux, Giessen, Torino and Aarschot, each underscoring Kurdish unity and the commitment to the iedology of the PKK.
The People’s Defence Centre (HSM) marked this anniversary, pledging to continue the struggle in honour of their “immortal martyrs”. The HSM, associated with the PKK, serves as a command unit for its armed wing, playing a significant role in military and strategic operations against the Turkish state.
https://firatnews.com/kurdistan/hsm-pkk-nin-destansi-45-kurulus-yil-donumu-kutlu-olsun-190886
The People’s Defence Forces (HPG) and Free Women’s Units (YJA Star) commemorated the anniversary of the PKK in the Metîna area of northern Iraq. YJA Star commander Sozan Mardin honoured Öcalan and the “freedom fighters,” emphasising the PKK’s roots in the struggle for freedom and its strength and unity with the Kurdish people.
Democratic Kurdish Community Centres across Europe play a crucial role as cultural and social hubs for Kurdish communities, with organisations like KCDK-E representing the Kurdish diaspora in Europe and coordinating Kurdish institutions and associations.
