The Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), a Kurdish political organisation primarily based in Iran’s Kurdish-majority regions known as Rojhilat (Eastern Kurdistan), commemorated its 21st anniversary alongside the 76th birthday of imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan on 4 April. PJAK has long advocated for Kurdish autonomy, democracy, and the protection of human rights.
The celebrations were held in the mountains of Kurdistan, where the venue displayed images of Abdullah Öcalan and fallen fighters, along with banners honouring the martyrs. A painting exhibition featuring photographs of Öcalan and those who lost their lives in the struggle was also part of the event. According to PJAK, the party’s founding on 4 April 2004 marked a significant moment in the ongoing efforts for freedom and democracy for the Kurdish people and other oppressed communities.
Peyman Viyan, co-chair of PJAK, addressed the gathering, recalling the party’s founding in 2004 in response to the events surrounding the imprisonment of Abdullah Öcalan in Turkey after 1999. She emphasised PJAK’s continued resistance to the policies of oppression and cultural genocide, while working for a free Kurdistan and a democratic Iran. Viyan said: “We see our freedom in the freedom of leader Apo. Therefore, we have to intensify the struggle for his physical freedom in every field”.
Viyan also highlighted the crucial role of women in the past years’ struggles, noting that their active participation in protests and continued resistance in prisons has had a profound impact on Iran’s political and social landscape. According to Viyan, women’s participation has been crucial in shaping the political discourse and advancing the movement for freedom and democracy.
PJAK’s statement also underscored the importance of Öcalan’s philosophy in shaping the ongoing struggle for freedom. The party described Öcalan’s historical message as a key factor in guiding the new phase of the struggle for Kurdish and human rights, affirming that the fight for his freedom is inseparable from the Kurdish struggle for justice. PJAK emphasised that the “Democratic Nation” paradigm remains a fundamental solution for the peaceful and democratic co-existence of Iran’s diverse ethnic groups.
The celebrations featured performances by the musical group Awazê Çiya, who presented special programs to honour Öcalan’s birthday. The group expressed that 4 April symbolises the rebirth of the Kurdish people and remains a beacon of hope for oppressed nations.
PJAK reiterated its dedication to continuing the struggle for a free and democratic future for the Kurdish people and all oppressed communities, calling on all freedom-loving individuals to fulfil their revolutionary, ethical, and democratic responsibilities.
