In the city of Lanester, French politicians shared messages of solidarity with the Kurdish people at the Fête de L’Humanité Bretagne event organized annually by the French Communist Party (PCF).
Many organizations set up booths at the event, and Kurds living in Lorient also participated with a stand. At their booth, banners calling for the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan and photographs of internationalist fighters who were killed in Rojava were displayed.
In particular, the Breton-born French fighter Kendal Breizh (Olivier Le Clainche), who was killed in Afrin on February 10, 2018, was commemorated, and visitors were given information about the lives of fallen internationalist fighters. Information was also provided about the Peace and Democratic Society Process initiated by Öcalan.
Damien Girard, NFP–Ecologist MP for Morbihan’s 5th constituency, visited the stand and expressed his support for the Kurdish people. Girard said, “As a member of parliament for the Brittany region, I closely follow the situation of the Kurdish people. We are eagerly awaiting the release of Mr. Öcalan and for the Kurdish people to be able to determine their own future. We are trying to do our part for this in our country.”
Delphine Alexandre, Vice President of the PCF Brittany Regional Council, emphasized that the right of peoples to self-determination is indispensable, stating, “We defend the rights of the Kurdish people and demand the immediate release of political prisoners.”
Dr. Boris Campos, Secretary of PCF Lorient, also drew attention to the peace process in Turkey, saying, “President Erdoğan committed to starting a peace process with the PKK. In this process, the release of political prisoners must be a precondition. A ceasefire must be achieved in Rojava, and all armed groups must be brought under control. Peace in Turkey depends on peace in Rojava.”
Gael Briand, a regional council member of the Brittany Democratic Union, stated that they give unconditional support to the Kurdish people’s struggle for freedom and recognition, saying, “Turkish forces must end their occupations of Kurdish areas in Rojava and respect Kurdish lands.”
During the conferences held throughout the event, criticisms were also voiced against Israel’s policies toward Palestine.
Fête de L’Humanité Bretagne, which continued with film screenings and concerts, will end today.