In a series of coordinated protests across the globe, Kurds and their supporters took to the streets on Saturday to voice their demand for the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan, the leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), in response to what they term the “15 February International Conspiracy”. These demonstrations aim to draw international attention to Öcalan’s plight.
A large rally took place in the city centre of Sydney, Australia, organised by the Sydney Democratic Kurdish Community Centre (DKTM). The event, held under the slogan “Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan, Peace for Kurdistan,” featured speakers including Green Senators David Shoebridge and Lee Rhiannon, along with Greenleft newspaper editor Peter Boyle. Following the speeches, a stand was set up to promote Öcalan’s writings.
Stockholm and Vasteras in Sweden also witnessed protests. In Stockholm, a large crowd gathered for a demonstration where Menice Yiğit, co-chair of the Stockholm DKTM, addressed the crowd, placing emphasis on the demands of the Kurdish people for the freedom of their leader. Vasteras also saw a significant turnout from the Swedish public, and DKTM co-chair Hasan Bakur highlighted that the conspiracy against Öcalan is an attack on all Kurds.
In Rome, Italy, the protest was supported by numerous political parties, associations and unions. The event was organised by the Freedom for Öcalan Committee, the Kurdistan Information Office and Italian Kurdish Friendship Groups. Giovanni Russo Spena, a spokesman for the committee, spoke at the rally, acknowledging Öcalan as a globally recognised ideologist and politician whose ideas could benefit the world if he were freed.
Vienna, Austria, hosted a march organised by the DKTM, where Agirî Kobanê from the Avesta Women’s Council spoke, drawing attention to the strict isolation imposed on Öcalan. “Without the freedom of Leader Apo [Öcalan], neither can we be free,” Kobanê stated.
In London, the Revolutionary Youth Movement in Britain initiated a 3-day march to mark the 25th anniversary of Öcalan’s abduction and handover to Turkey. Starting in Acton Town in south London, a large crowd marched carrying banners and placards calling for Öcalan’s freedom, and chanting slogans advocating for a free Kurdistan. The demonstration also included a 3-day hunger strike by members of the Kurdish People’s Assembly, adding to the intensity of the protest. The march is set to conclude in Dalston in north London on Sunday, accompanied by a rally organised by the Kurdish People’s Assembly.
