As part of the campaign “Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan, Political Solution to the Kurdish Question,” launched on 23 October 2023, with simultaneous statements by intellectuals, writers, academics, philosophers, and jurists from around the world, two major marches were previously held in Germany with the participation of Kurds and their supporters, drawing tens of thousands from many European countries and cities. The third major march of the campaign will be held on 8 November in Cologne, at Deutzer Werft. The demonstration will call for the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan and demand a democratic solution to the Kurdish question.
Deputy co-chair of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) Nûrê Alkış emphasized the importance of ensuring Öcalan’s physical freedom and free working conditions in a statement made ahead of the march. Alkış said, “The architect of peace has been imprisoned on Imralı Island for 27 years. The physical freedom of Öcalan is the main goal of this process. For this purpose, a march will be held in Cologne.”
Alkış called on young women, young people, and democratic circles. She added: “Our call is directed to young women, young people, women, all democrats, the Kurdish people, the peoples of Kurdistan, and the Yazidi people. Let us raise our voices on 8 November 8 and walk together to collectively demand Abdullah Öcalan’s physical freedom.”