An international campaign, “Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan – A Political Solution to the Kurdish Question,” has launched from 1-10 October 2024, aiming to raise awareness of the isolation of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan and promote dialogue on the Kurdish issue. Events are being held across Europe and beyond, with activities including seminars, exhibitions, and demonstrations.
A series of events are planned across Europe and beyond, including press conferences, public debates, exhibitions, and cultural gatherings. On 1 October, Slovenia, Sweden, Denmark, the UK, and Germany will host lectures, workshops, information booths, and creative solidarity activities, emphasising the global relevance of Öcalan’s ideas and the critical need to address the Kurdish struggle for self-determination and peace.
A seminar entitled “The Revolution of the Kurdish Women: Its History and Perspective” was held in Soto de Real, Spain. The seminar was attended by many women, including a representative of the indigenous Mapuche people, who said that the Kurdish women’s liberation movement has developed an exemplary revolutionary struggle that has inspired many peoples. Rohash Shexo, representative of the women’s umbrella organisation Kongra Star, explained how the revolution in Rojava was inspired by Abdullah Ocalan’s paradigm of democratic confederalism and women’s liberation. Stating that the Rojava revolution is a women’s revolution, Rohash Shexo said, “As the ideology of women’s liberation of the Kurdish people’s leader Abdullah Ocalan comes to life, women are gaining their will in all fields.
In Latin America, a series of demonstrations have been scheduled in observance of the anniversary of the international conspiracy against Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan. These events are part of a global campaign, “Freedom for Öcalan, Political Solution to the Kurdish Question,” which seeks to highlight the ongoing challenges facing the Kurdish people. These events, led by solidarity groups like the Kurdistan Women’s Freedom Movement, include a variety of activities, such as seminars, documentary screenings, art exhibitions, and murals. A special video was also released in Medellín by a local women’s solidarity group.
Kurdish artist Ali Zülfikar’s exhibition Reflections will open at Junge Welt Maigalerie on 10 October, showcasing 40 pieces, including Cry for Freedom. This powerful work portrays Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan and focuses on his isolation, calling for greater awareness of human rights.
The exhibition also features portraits of environmental activist Greta Thunberg, imprisoned Turkish politicians Figen Yüksekdağ and Selahattin Demirtaş, and revolutionaries such as Rosa Luxemburg and Nelson Mandela.
Zülfikar’s work, based on a 1991 photograph of Öcalan, combines pencil and natural dyes. He aims to encourage discussion on peace and identity through his art. Cry for Freedom will be displayed on billboards in Berlin until 11 October.
