Youth activists from the Kurdish community recently took to the streets in Germany, donning white hazmat suits for a demonstration. The group lay in front of Cologne Cathedral, releasing yellow smoke to symbolise the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Turkish government against Kurdish guerrilla forces. The protest also aimed to break the silence in Western cities surrounding the 30-month long absolute incommunicado of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan who is jailed in a Turkish prison.
The activists issued a statement, underscoring their ongoing commitment to the cause. “We’ve been actively protesting to demand the physical freedom of leader Abdullah Öcalan. Despite the international community being aware of his 30-month isolation under absolute incommunicado conditions, no action has been taken,” they stated. The group vowed to continue their protests, highlighting that their current action might conclude, but their fight for justice remains steadfast.
The youth activists also touched on the broader context of the Kurdish freedom struggle, noting its evolving dynamics. “We’re at a pivotal moment, and we believe this year will culminate in leader Öcalan’s physical freedom,” they declared. The group insisted that they would persist in their struggle, irrespective of the location—be it in the mountains, cities or European metropolises.
The activists concluded with a call upon their peers to align with Öcalan’s women’s liberation principles. “We urge all young people to join us in this struggle until Öcalan’s physical freedom is secured,” they affirmed.
