In marking the 25th anniversary of Abdullah Öcalan’s capture, international media have intensified focus on the solitary confinement of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader in Turkey.
This period is perceived by the Kurdish community as a product of an “international conspiracy”, drawing attention from diverse global outlets like Spain’s Gara newspaper, Australia’s Sydney Morning Herald, AFP, TV5Monde and VRT News, along with significant mentions from Belgium’s state television and Italy’s Il Manifesto newspaper.
Gara newspaper’s insightful interview
Gara newspaper, based in Spain’s Basque Country, published a two-page interview with İbrahim Bilmez, Öcalan’s lawyer. This discussion shed light on the legal battles surrounding Öcalan and the broader Kurdish cause, bringing the intricacies of Öcalan’s influence and the ongoing fight for his freedom to Spanish readers.
Sydney Morning Herald’s campaign ad
The Sydney Morning Herald featured an advertisement on 15 February, under the banner “Freedom for Ocalan – IT’S TIME”. The advertisement not only called for Öcalan’s release but also criticised the global inaction towards Turkey’s military stance, drawing parallels between Öcalan’s ideology and universal struggles for democracy and liberty.
AFP’s coverage of the Strasbourg vigil
AFP highlighted the 12-year-long vigil in Strasbourg, where Kurdish activists have been steadfastly demanding Öcalan’s release and an end to his isolation. This vigil, set against the backdrop of the Council of Europe, symbolises the Kurdish diaspora’s unwavering commitment to their leader’s freedom and their pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish question.
TV5Monde: Kurdish community’s persistent advocacy
TV5Monde also brought attention to the enduring vigil by the Kurdish community in Strasbourg, advocating for the release of their “historic leader”, Abdullah Öcalan. This continuous presence, despite challenging conditions, underscores the Kurdish activists’ dedication to Öcalan’s cause and their clamour for his liberation.
VRT News reflects on Öcalan’s legacy
VRT News provided a reflection on Öcalan’s legacy, likening him to “the Kurdish Mandela”. The coverage delved into Öcalan’s life, from his dramatic arrest, facilitated by international intelligence, to his solitary confinement on İmralı Island. Despite the PKK’s controversial status, Öcalan’s vision for a democratic, multicultural Turkey continues to resonate, symbolising hope for a peaceful solution amidst regional conflicts.
Il Manifesto’s full-page tribute
Il Manifesto, one of Italy’s leading newspapers, dedicated a full page to Abdullah Öcalan, portraying him as a leader who initiated a “real political and intellectual revolution”. The article highlighted Öcalan’s resilience in the face of conspiracy and imprisonment, likening his response to Antonio Gramsci’s strategy against Italian fascism—through work, study, critique and self-criticism.
International solidarity and intellectual insights
The international campaign for Öcalan’s freedom and peace in Kurdistan has garnered support from intellectuals like Uruguayan writer Raul Zibechi, who drew parallels between Öcalan and 18th-century Bolivian revolutionary Túpac Katari, emphasising the struggle against oppression and the quest for the Kurdish people’s dignity.
As the global community reflects on Öcalan’s 25 years of imprisonment, the collective media coverage and international voices underscores the enduring significance of his philosophy, the Kurdish people’s resilience and the ongoing calls for dialogue, negotiation and peace in the region.
