As the birthday of imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan approaches on 4 April, Kurdish communities in Turkey and beyond are organising events to commemorate the day, underlining his enduring influence and the ongoing struggle for his freedom. These celebrations also highlight the continuing calls for an end to Öcalan’s incommunicado detention.
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Kurdish youth march for Öcalan’s freedom begins in Turkey
In Van (Wan), the Democratic Youth Movement has planned large marches in honour of Öcalan’s birthday, reflecting the active engagement of youth in the Kurdish political landscape. These activities underline the deep respect for Öcalan and the continued demand for his release. Similar initiatives are also being organised in Diyarbakır (Amed) and Hakkâri (Colemêrg), where youth groups are mobilising in solidarity with the imprisoned leader.
In Suruç (Pirsûs), a large number of youth gathered to participate in a march organised by local youth movements, showcasing the continued political engagement of the younger generation in honouring Öcalan’s legacy. The youth are voicing their calls for his freedom and continuing to express their support for his vision.
Additionally, the Democratic Party’s Youth Assembly announced that a special message from Öcalan would be delivered to the youth during an upcoming festival. This message, set to be shared at the festival, reflects Öcalan’s ongoing influence, especially among the youth, who continue to be central to the political mobilisation for his freedom. The festival will serve as a space for reflection and renewed calls for solidarity in the pursuit of Öcalan’s release.
Celebrations are also taking place in regions outside Turkey. In Tirbespiyê, Syria, the Yazidi community held events to celebrate Öcalan’s birthday, highlighting his role in both the Kurdish and Yazidi resistance. These celebrations included cultural performances and speeches highlighting his importance as a symbol of freedom and unity.
In celebration of Öcalan’s birthday, the Democratic Union Party’s (PYD) youth organisation in Aleppo’s Sheikh Maqsoud neighbourhood organised a gathering on 2 April. The event featured speeches emphasising Öcalan’s significance to the Kurdish struggle and performances of revolutionary songs and traditional dances.
The Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) also issued a statement to mark the occasion, emphasising that Öcalan’s freedom is not only central to the Kurdish struggle, but also to the freedom of all oppressed peoples in the region. They called on the public to visit Amara, Öcalan’s birthplace, and to plant trees in his honour. The KCK reiterated that the freedom of Öcalan is inseparable from the freedom of the Kurdish people and all those who seek justice.
The Kongra-Gel organisation issued a statement celebrating Öcalan’s birthday and reiterating the demand for his unconditional release. The organisation emphasised that Öcalan’s imprisonment is not just a personal issue, but a symbol of the Kurdish people’s struggle for justice and recognition.
