Discussions on a democratic and lasting solution to the Kurdish question have become a central topic both in Turkey and in the international arena. In this context, one of the figures who has long stood in solidarity with the Kurdish people’s struggle for rights and peace is Giovanni Russo Spena, spokesperson of the Freedom for Öcalan Committee in Italy, former senator and professor of law. Spena closely follows the decisions taken by European institutions and consistently highlights the responsibility of the international community regarding a solution to the Kurdish question.
Prof. Spena shared his assessment with ANF on the democratic solution perspective to the Kurdish question and the conditions of Abdullah Öcalan.
We are at an important threshold, but uncertainties remain
Prof. Spena, who follows closely the Peace and Democratic Society process initiated by Abdullah Öcalan in his capacity as spokesperson of the Freedom for Öcalan Committee in Italy, said: “I believe we are going through a very important period regarding the Kurdish question. In my view, we are at a critical threshold, and we follow this with great attention from Rome, because Öcalan came to Rome exactly 26 years ago to deliver his message of peace to Europe.
Unfortunately, Europe and the Italian government did not want to understand his message and later handed him over to his torturers, who then took him to the Imralı Island Prison. Today, once again, thanks to Öcalan’s great political intuition and intelligence, we stand at an important crossroads. His courageous proposal for peace has opened a new path. There is a possibility for a peace process, but at the same time the future remains uncertain, because there is still an ongoing war and there are attempts to target the Kurdish achievements in Syria and Iraq.”
It is now the Turkish state’s turn to take action
Prof. Spena stated that the success of the process depends on the Turkish state taking concrete steps and said: “The process is moving in a positive direction for the Kurdish people. The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), with the decisions made at its 12th Congress, declared that it has moved its struggle to another stage, the political arena. They have entered an irreversible path toward peace.
I do not believe the Turkish government holds the same determination. The government is likely deeply divided within itself. The military wing of the military, industrial complex, which we know is very powerful in Turkey, opposes the process by citing battlefield losses as justification, although this is essentially an excuse. Still, there are some developments.
I consider it positive that a commission has been established within parliament and that a peace process is being discussed. Therefore, the process initiated by Öcalan with strength and strategic insight is still standing. The Kurds have done their part; now we expect the Turkish government to overcome its own contradictions and contribute to a genuine peace process.”
Abdullah Öcalan must be free
Prof. Spena underlined that Abdullah Öcalan and all political prisoners must be released without delay and said: “Turkey now needs to do its part, and this would be a very important step. The success of the process, after years of conflict, requires mutual recognition and respect, changes to oppressive and freedom-restricting laws, the democratization of Turkey, the full recognition of the Kurdish language and Kurdish existence, the guarantee of justice, and also the release of Öcalan and all political prisoners.”
Prof. Spena added: “Another crucial point is the experience of Rojava. Öcalan is extremely clear on this matter. The Rojava Revolution is a red line. This red line cannot be crossed, because it carries enormous importance for democratic confederalism, for the experience of Kurdish women, and for the culture of locality and collective life that exists in Rojava. Despite this, the Turkish government still continues to view the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as a threat. Such an attitude is completely unacceptable at this stage. For these reasons, there are still major obstacles within the process that must be discussed and overcome; I hope they will be resolved as soon as possible.”
Despite the process, the isolation continues
Prof. Spena said that it has now been proven to the entire world that Öcalan is the key actor for resolving the Kurdish question and continued: “Only Öcalan can lead a genuine peace process. This is why his freedom is essential for us.
To give a historical example: just as Nelson Mandela played a decisive role in South Africa, or as Marouane Barghouti could play if a Palestinian state were truly recognized. There are certain figures whose culture, charisma and importance allow them to represent not only their own people but the unity of nations. Öcalan is one of these leaders and, rightly so, and I say this with great respect he has raised not only his own freedom but the freedom of all Kurdish political prisoners. This, in fact, means acting in accordance with the requirements of international law. Despite the ongoing process, the severe isolation in which Öcalan is held continues. The Turkish government has not fulfilled even the minimum requirements of international law. Only a few extremely limited steps have been taken, such as a handful of lawyer visits and a few family visits. In short, the Turkish government continues to act in clear violation of international law.”
The right to hope must be applied
Prof. Spena described the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers’ decision on the right to hope as significant and said: “The decision taken by the Committee represents a fundamental principle of international law. It is unacceptable that Turkey has still not taken such a strong voice into consideration. Turkey remains in a highly uncertain situation. The Turkish government is divided, and in my opinion, it is going through a period of confusion. There are many political prisoners in Turkey who should benefit from the right to hope. Therefore, we must defend this right to the fullest and pressure Turkey to implement this major international principle.”
The EU’s stance continues to be shameful
Prof. Russo Spena said that the European Union (EU) bears direct responsibility for Öcalan’s captivity and continued: “The EU countries did not want to understand the message of peace that Öcalan sought to deliver when he came to Rome. Unfortunately, the European Union remained shamefully silent on this issue. I use the word shameful deliberately, because I say this as a European, as someone who has served within European institutions. The European Union is still shamefully silent, and the Italian government is equally trapped in this shameful silence. The EU’s stance is one of international hypocrisy and is unacceptable. This attitude is the result of reciprocal interests. Military relations are a primary factor behind such a position. In addition, Turkey has extremely strong import–export ties with both the European Union and Italy; therefore, we cannot ignore the pressure of industry and finance. Sadly, the humanitarian dimension of Turkey–Kurdistan relations and the Kurdish people’s right to freedom and self-determination are, shamefully, pushed aside by the European Union in favor of military, industrial and market interests.’’
Prof. Spena added: “We Europeans must exert strong pressure from within the European Union, and we are trying to do so. Because Europe is not the EU or the states, Europe is its people. And the peoples of Europe fully support the freedom of the Kurdish people. Therefore, we must use this popular pressure to influence the actions and determination of European states.”