An international delegation, composed of politicians, union leaders, and journalists, has called on Turkey’s Ministry of Justice to release Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, stressing his importance for fostering peace amid escalating violence in northern Syria. The petition highlighted Öcalan’s historic role in reconciliation efforts and urged Turkey to engage in dialogue to resolve the Kurdish issue and stabilise the region. The delegation also joined the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party in calling for Öcalan’s involvement to promote peace and stability.
The delegation’s visit coincided with a worsening humanitarian crisis in northern Syria, where Turkish-backed forces have intensified military campaigns against the Kurdish-led Rojava region, including assaults on Tel Rifaat (Til Rifat) and Kurdish districts in Aleppo (Heleb). Delegates warned of the dire consequences for Rojava’s unique societal model, which promotes gender equality, direct democracy, and multicultural coexistence, and emphasised the region’s urgent need for protection against annihilation.
“We are here to support the DEM Party and show solidarity with the Kurdish people. We believe that especially at this time it is essential to engage with the Turkish government to explore potential strategies for constructive dialogue, and it is vital to highlight the importance of Mr Abdullah Öcalan’s voice in this process,” said Benedetta Rossi, a journalist and delegation member.
Rossi underlined the need for swift and decisive action to prevent further violence and avert a humanitarian catastrophe. She noted that Öcalan’s efforts during the 2013-2015 peace process offered a framework for constructive dialogue, describing his prolonged isolation on İmralı Island as a gross violation of human rights and a breach of European human rights obligations.
The delegation urged Turkey to address these violations, release Öcalan, and prioritise concrete peace talks. They also called for international solidarity and immediate political and humanitarian measures to ensure the safety and dignity of all communities in northern Syria. Walter Baier, representing the European Left Party, described the Kurdish question as a global issue requiring decisive action to protect human rights and achieve stability.
Delegation members included Walter Baier of the European Left Party, Francesca Ghirra and Matteo Massa of the Italian Green Left Alliance, Eulàlia Reguant Cura of the Catalan Parliament, and union leaders Caterina Posterino and Francesca Baruffaldi from Italian Labour Confederations. Other participants included representatives from Germany’s Left Party and journalists such as Benedetta Rossi and Daniela Galie.
The visit concluded with a call for an end to the violence in Syria, international recognition of Rojava’s democratic values, and sustainable political solutions to the Syrian civil war.
