Preparations have been completed for the third major march and rally to be held on 8 November in Cologne, Germany, under the slogan “Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan, Solution to the Kurdish Question.”
Zübeyde Zümrüt, co-chair of the European Kurdish Democratic Societies Congress (KCDK-E), said that “the purpose of the march is to secure the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan and to remind European governments of their responsibilities regarding the Kurdish question in the newly emerging process. The freedom of Öcalan cannot be delayed.”
Zümrüt described the march as more than just a protest, calling it an act of historical responsibility. She noted that throughout its long struggle across the four parts of Kurdistan, the Kurdish Freedom Movement has always shouldered unique responsibilities, and that 8 November represents one of those crucial moments.
Zümrüt emphasized that the march and rally constitute a key phase of the “Freedom Initiative Campaign,” launched on 10 December 2023. She added that the concern over the isolation imposed on Öcalan and the demand for his freedom are not limited to the Kurdish people but are also shared by intellectuals and democratic circles who advocate for lasting peace.
Zümrüt recalled that despite the severe isolation imposed on Abdullah Öcalan, the intense political efforts and mobilizations carried out in the past had created a strong synergy that led to a partial easing of his isolation. She pointed to the political dialogue initiatives that emerged as a result of this struggle.
Zümrüt said that nearly a year ago, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chair Devlet Bahçeli stated in Parliament that Öcalan should come to Parliament, make a call, and engage in politics. She noted that this remark stemmed from the need to bring the Kurdish question back onto the political stage. Zümrüt added that resolving Turkey’s internal issues is a prerequisite for both stability and balanced foreign relations, and that achieving this requires a genuine solution to the Kurdish question.
Peace processes are built with free interlocutors
Zübeyde Zümrüt said: “The Democratic Society and Peace process began through the initiative and determination of Öcalan, who took the lead in launching a process through a method and approach unprecedented in world history. This initiative strengthened the search for dialogue and created a partial basis for negotiations. However, the isolation imposed on Öcalan still continues.”
Zümrüt continued: “The fact that certain delegations, whether family members, lawyers, or state officials, have visited Imrali does not mean that the isolation has been lifted. If there is to be a negotiation table, the true interlocutor of peace and of the negotiations is Öcalan himself. He must attain his physical freedom. To ensure that this process reaches a positive outcome, we must secure his freedom.”
The KCDK-E co-chair also said that throughout history, peace processes have only been successful when both sides come together as free and legitimate interlocutors.
The key to freedom lies in the hands of the people
Zümrüt called on the Kurdish people and their friends to join the historic third march, and said: “The key to freedom lies in the hands of social dynamics. If we are to open the door to freedom, and if that key is held by struggle and resistance, if we have set out with the slogan ‘Free Leadership [Abdullah Öcalan]’, then hundreds of thousands of voices must rise in that square. Just like the previous two marches, this one must also shake the conscience of the European public. I call on the Kurdish people and their friends to join the historic march to be held on 8 November in Cologne.”
Zümrüt said that Öcalan’s peace initiatives and his call for the withdrawal of guerrilla groups from the northern front were outcomes of a persistent commitment to peace. She underlined that on 8 November, the Kurdish people must fill the squares to carry that determination to the point of freedom.