The Campaign for the Freedom of Abdullah Öcalan is set to mark ‘Öcalan Books Day‘ on 10 December, International Human Rights Day, aiming to highlight the indomitable spirit of ideas amid adversity. This initiative comes as a response to nearly 25 years of solitary confinement suffered by Öcalan, a seminal figure in the Kurdish freedom movement, on the Turkish prison island of Imrali.
The campaign encapsulates the essence of enduring ideas in the slogan “Thoughts that break through the iron bars – you can’t imprison ideas!” The call to action pays tribute to Öcalan’s extensive writings, which continue to galvanise individuals and groups globally, despite he himself being out of any communication with the world.
The aim is to break the isolation surrounding Öcalan, whose political philosophy has found resonance beyond all borders. His ideas, rooted in women’s liberation, environmentalism and radical democracy, have not only invigorated the Kurdish freedom movement but also inspired social forces worldwide, offering a revolutionary pathway towards a democratic and environmentally aware society.
Criticism is also levelled at established human rights institutions like the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights, for their alleged inaction against this unlawful practice of isolation, which is recognsed as a form of torture.
‘Öcalan Books Day’ invites publishers, writers, educators, students and the broader public to engage with Öcalan’s writings and spread the liberatory ideas they embody. The event seeks to spotlight the ongoing isolation on Imrali and foster a broader discourse on the Kurdish movement’s quest for freedom.
This initiative aligns with the Vigil for Öcalan’s advocacy for freedom for the PKK leader, ongoing since 25 June 2012. A daily demonstration held outside the Council of Europe in Strasbourg since that time symbolises a perpetual call for justice and human rights.
On ‘Öcalan Books Day’, the campaign will encourage the public to delve into Öcalan’s prison writings, explore his vision of a democratic and environmentalist society, and join the growing global discourse around these crucial issues.
For a list of publications by Abdullah Öcalan, click here.
