Kurdish politician Hatip Dicle announced plans for a delegation of parliamentarians, jurists, and academics to visit Turkey, aiming to engage with state officials for the release and the end to the isolation of Abdullah Öcalan, leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
🔴 Hatip Dicle (@HatipDicleT), a prominent Kurdish politician, has announced the formation of a delegation scheduled to visit Turkey to advocate for the release of Abdullah Öcalan, the incarcerated leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).#FreedomForOcalan | #International… pic.twitter.com/aOsMQ3lWEX
— MedyaNews (@1MedyaNews) December 1, 2023
For 33 months, there has been no communication from Öcalan, who is subjected to severe isolation in İmralı F-type High Security Prison. The campaign, initiated on 10 October under the slogan ‘Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan, a solution to the Kurdish issue’, has seen actions and events in Turkey, Kurdistan, and globally. Thousands of prisoners across 104 prisons have joined in a rotating hunger strike since 27 November, showing solidarity.
Dicle, spokesman for the Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan – Solution to the Kurdish Issue Platform, stressed the importance of the campaign. “This is just the beginning. The campaign’s goal is the removal of isolation and the achievement of physical freedom for Öcalan,” he said. The campaign, which started in 74 centres across various continents, symbolically represents Öcalan’s age. Dicle noted future plans including marches, rallies, and diplomatic engagements.
Dicle expressed concerns over the lack of information regarding Öcalan’s wellbeing. “We have no information about Abdullah Öcalan’s health, life, or security. The European Committee for the Prevention of Torture is being pressed by lawyers, but to no avail. This is a grave violation of human rights,” he explained.
Highlighting the complicity of Western countries, Dicle compared the campaign to the one for Nelson Mandela’s release.
“Western countries remained silent or were complicit in the international conspiracy against Öcalan. Now, intellectuals and union leaders, especially from the UK, are spearheading the freedom campaign,” he added.
“Without Öcalan, the Kurdish issue cannot be resolved. He is not only pivotal for the Kurdish issue but also for addressing Middle East conflicts,” Dicle added.
Emphasising the importance of the ongoing hunger strike, Dicle called for widespread action. “We hope the Turkish state shows the necessary sensitivity. Everyone must rise for Öcalan’s freedom. I believe our people will fully support this campaign. Together, we can secure Öcalan’s physical freedom, contributing significantly to peace, democracy and freedom in Kurdistan and Turkey,” he urged.