KONGRA-GEL calls for participation in ‘International Day of Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan’

In a written statement, the KONGRA-GEL Co-Presidency Council called on the Kurdish people and their friends to participate in the mass demonstrations and activities to be held all over the world on 11 December.

KONGRA-GEL said: “The sovereign powers that divided and colonized the lands and people of Kurdistan and offered all kinds of support to the Turkish state to suppress the Kurdish rebellions, are also responsible for the special prison conditions created for Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan on the island of Imrali.

The Turkish government has not taken any steps so far due to the tolerance of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe despite a report by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) that confirmed that the Imrali prison system is not in compliance with the Council of Europe Convention and international human rights and that it urgently needs a correction. Moreover, it has implemented aggravated isolation conditions in Imrali including other prisons in Turkey and Kurdistan.”

The statement added: “Following the frequent actions of our people and friends and the application of some non-governmental organizations, the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers finally debated the violations in Imrali and gave Turkey time until September 2022. Despite the massive human rights violations in Imrali and other prisons, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe still maintains a tolerant attitude towards Turkey.

The war intensified recently by the AKP-MHP fascist government, which is on verge of collapse, is causing serious destruction in the entire region, especially against the Kurdish and Turkish people.

Kurdish leader Öcalan plays a key role in resolving the problems in Turkey, Kurdistan and the entire region. Öcalan’s freedom means solving these serious problems. It means peace and a transition to democracy in Turkey, Kurdistan and the Middle East. Therefore, it is very important to carry out creative actions and activities during this process to put pressure on international institutions, especially the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers.”

The statement added: “Thus, 10 December, announced by the Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan Initiative as the International Day of Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan, is an important opportunity. We should participate in the actions and activities to be held on this occasion, and we should inform public opinion about Öcalan and the demand for freedom.

Demonstrations will take place on Saturday, 11 December. It is very important that our people and our friends participate in the demonstrations and activities to be held all over the world.

Let’s welcome the “International Day of Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan” with huge enthusiasm. Let’s create a strong public opinion and put pressure on the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers and relevant international institutions.”