On 10 November, thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of London in a powerful show of solidarity, marching through Oxford Circus to demand the freedom of imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan and a democratic solution to the Kurdish question in Turkey. The protest, part of the ‘Freedom for Öcalan’ campaign, saw supporters from across the four nations of the UK gather to call for an end to Turkey’s treatment of Kurdish communities and leaders.
Demonstrators gathered at the BBC headquarters in Oxford Circus, holding banners and chanting slogans in support of Öcalan. İshak Mîlanî, co-chair of the Kurdish People’s Assembly in Britain, spoke about the widespread mobilisation and said that the protest had been organised at grassroots level. “Thousands are here today in front of the BBC in Oxford Circus to support Öcalan’s freedom. In the run-up, we went to every home and business, mobilising the community for this important cause,” Mîlanî told Medya Haber.
Mîlanî emphasised the importance of the “Freedom for Öcalan” campaign, which has gained momentum since its launch in October 2023. “The Kurdish people strongly reject the severe isolation imposed on Öcalan, who has been in solitary confinement for 44 months now. The response of our people is one of deep resentment and indignation,” he said, pointing to the anger and determination that continues to drive Kurdish advocacy in the UK and beyond.
The London rally is part of a wider movement, with supporters planning to join a major rally in Cologne, Germany, on 16 November. “Thousands who gathered in London today will join hundreds of thousands in Cologne. It will be the biggest rally yet for Öcalan’s freedom,” said Mîlanî, adding, “Together we will tear down the walls of İmralı.”
The march also drew attention to recent support from the UK’s largest trade unions, including Unite the Union, which has nearly five million members. Last week, 14 major UK trade unions issued a statement condemning Turkey’s repression of Kurdish democratic institutions and calling for the release of Öcalan, recognising his potential role in a peaceful solution to the Kurdish question. “Unite the Union was a founding force behind the campaign to free Öcalan,” said Mîlanî, highlighting the importance of British workers and unions in supporting Kurdish rights. “Workers and trade unions in Britain are sensitive to the situation in Kurdistan and stand together for justice and human rights,” he added.
UK trade unions call on Turkey to end violations of Kurdish rights, release Öcalan
As the ‘Freedom for Öcalan’ campaign continues to grow, the Kurdish community in Britain, together with allies from different social movements, continues to call for an end to Turkey’s actions against Kurdish communities and for a peaceful, democratic solution to the Kurdish question.
