KCDK-E calls for mobilization for Öcalan’s freedom on February 12

The co-chairs of the European Kurdish Democratic Societies Congress (KCDK-E) released a written statement to mark the anniversary of the international conspiracy against Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan that resulted in his forced departure to Turkey on 15 February, 1999.

“We are going through an extremely critical period in Turkey, Kurdistan and the Middle East. While the occupying Turkish state is carrying out the occupation and massacres, the genocidal war against the people of Kurdistan is getting deeper and deeper with the aggravated isolation imposed on Öcalan,” the statement said.

The statement emphasized that “the AKP-MHP fascist government, which is already on the verge of collapse, is trying to prolong its life through policies of isolation, massacre and occupation”. The statement also criticized the Council of Europe and the CPT (Committee for the Prevention of Torture) for not playing their role.

‘SOLUTION AND DEMOCRATIZATION CAN BE ACHIEVED THROUGH ÖCALAN’S FREEDOM’

“The Kurdish leader is not just an ordinary person. Öcalan has become a hope for the Kurdish people and the peoples of the Middle East. He is a power for solution and a leader of the thought that promotes peace against war, democracy against oppression and occupation, and common life against conflicts. With the paradigm he introduced, he stands as the leader of the peoples of the world, the intellectuals and those who want democracy and freedom. This is the main reason for the attacks of the fascist AKP-MHP alliance and the silent support of international powers.

The Turkish state is waging a war against all the peoples living in Turkey and the Middle East, and against all the values ​​of the Kurdish people in the person of Öcalan. Dictator Erdogan is seeking to keep his grip in power by deepening massacres against peoples.

The fact that the solution of the Kurdish problem and the democratization of Turkey rely on Öcalan playing his role as a free man is confirmed by statements from all over the world.

‘WE CALL EVERYONE TO JOIN THE DEMONSTRATIONS’

Institutions, intellectuals, internationalists and young activists who support democracy, justice, equality and freedom will continue their long march for the freedom of Öcalan, which they launched on February 6 under the motto ‘Freedom for Öcalan!’ by participating in the march and rally to be held in Strasbourg on February 12.

On February 12, a central march and rally will be held in Strasbourg with the participation of activists from South Germany, Switzerland, Strasbourg and Belgium. Likewise, marches and rallies will be held in other European countries and states to condemn the international conspiracy and to demand the freedom of Öcalan.

As the KCDK-E, we invite everyone, particularly the people of Kurdistan, including intellectuals, artists, ecologists, women’s rights defenders, and those who promote freedom and equality to participate in the demonstrations to be held in Strasbourg and all countries on February 12.”