Thousands of people from across North and East Syria gathered at two major protests in al-Hasakah (Hesekê) and Qamishli (Qamişlo) on 9 October, demanding the release of imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan. The rallies, which marked the anniversary of what demonstrators called an “international conspiracy” against Öcalan, attracted a diverse crowd, including Kurds, Arabs, Circassians and Assyrians.
In al-Hasakah, participants from towns such as Tell Brak (Til Birak), al Hawl and Zirgan gathered in Martyr Arîn Mîrkan Square. Among them were tribal leaders, representatives of political parties, war veterans and members of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). The demonstrators chanted slogans condemning Öcalan’s imprisonment and hailing his struggle for Kurdish rights.
Foza Yusif, a member of the Democratic Union Party’s (PYD) executive council, addressed the crowd in al-Hasakah and denounced the “international conspiracy” against Öcalan. She argued that this effort, initiated by capitalist forces, aims to sow discord in the Middle East and hinder Kurdish aspirations. Yusif said that Öcalan’s philosophy offers solutions to the crises in the region and stressed the movement’s commitment to securing his freedom.
A parallel protest took place in Qamishli, where thousands, including families of martyrs, women’s organisations and civil society groups, marched from Osman Sebrî Square to the Mihemed Şêxo Cultural Centre. Speaking at the event, PYD Presidential Council member Aldar Xelîl emphasised that Öcalan’s 26-year struggle against what he called a historical conspiracy continues to inspire resistance in Kurdish-majority regions and beyond.
Kongra Star Coordination member Şîraz Hemo underlined the importance of Öcalan’s ideology and said that his imprisonment was an attempt to suppress progressive movements in the Middle East. Hemo added that the unity and democratic system of the people in northeastern Syria remains a powerful counterforce against the external pressure.
