Following the vibrant celebrations marking imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan’s 76th birthday, youth activists from the HDK Youth Assembly, who played a leading role in the recent Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party march to Amara (Ömerli), have reaffirmed their commitment to Öcalan’s ‘Call for Peace and Democratic Society’.
The youth-led march, which began on 1 April in Diyarbakır (Amed), passed through towns such as Siverek (Girê Sor), Hilvan (Curnê Reş), and Şanlıurfa (Riha), before reaching its final destination, Amara, Öcalan’s birthplace, on 4 April, marking his 76th birthday. This symbolic journey carried a powerful message of peace, democracy, and freedom for all political prisoners, especially Öcalan, whose ongoing isolation has been a central theme of the protests.
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Marking the event, Öcalan penned a special letter to the youth emphasising solidarity, collective struggle, and socialism as the foundation of the movement. “To build a just and free society, we must embrace organisation and collective struggle,” he wrote, urging the youth to continue their efforts to secure peace and justice for all oppressed people.
As the celebrations concluded, HDK Youth Assembly members Şevval Çaşurluk and Reşo Birhat, who led the march, expressed their ongoing commitment to Öcalan’s vision. “We, as youth, are the founding subjects of the democratic society Öcalan calls for,” Çaşurluk said. “This march was not just a symbolic act; it was a declaration that we are committed to making Öcalan’s peace call a reality. Our walk continues, and we will lead this struggle until we achieve peace.”
Birhat echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of continued mobilisation. “Öcalan’s isolation reflects the broader isolation of the Kurdish people,” he said. “To truly liberate Öcalan, we must break this isolation and build a democratic system for all people. Our commitment is unwavering. This march was just the beginning, and we will continue organising for the freedom of all political prisoners.”
Çaşurluk particularly highlighted the critical role of women in the march and the broader resistance, noting, “Women have always been at the forefront of this struggle.” She also spoke about the pressure women face in Turkey, referencing recent demonstrations in Istanbul. “In actions like those in Saraçhane and at universities, women are often the first to be targeted, subjected to violence, and forced into invasive searches,” Çaşurluk explained. Despite this, she emphasised women’s vital role, stating, “Women remain the backbone of this resistance, and we will continue to stand strong with them.”
“This march is a reminder that the struggle is not over,” Birhat concluded. “We are ready to carry this message forward, to organise, and to ensure that Öcalan’s vision is realised.”
