The Democratic Society Movement (TEV-DEM) celebrated Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan’s birthday.
In a written statement,TEV-DEM drew attention to the prison isolation conditions that have been imposed against Öcalan since his captivity in 1999, reported Hawar News.
“Leader Öcalan has been held in İmralı Island for 22 years. Turkey has been imposing severe isolation and an unlawful policy against him. He does not have basic rights like meetings with his lawyers and family”, it stated.
TEV-DEM emphasized that Öcalan is the key figure for the solution to the Kurdish question. “Leader Abdullah Öcalan proved that he is the key to the solution of all the crises in the region. His freedom is our freedom. He is our guide to freedom. Today, we celebrate Öcalan’s 72nd birthday. ‘4 April’, we dedicate this day to humanity and the people of Kurdistan. This is also the birthday of a philosopher that promotes freedom, equality, democracy”.
“On the birthday of Leader Abdullah Öcalan on 4 April, nature is adorned with beauty. Our leader is also known for his love for nature, humanity, environment, trees, and green spaces”, it added. TEV-DEM appealed to all democratic forces, political and social movements, human rights organisations and civil society to take action to free Abdullah Öcalan and all political prisoners. “We have been through a very important moment: Turkey is benefitting from its attacks and we have to take action immediately”, it noted.
