The Freedom for Öcalan Vigil, which has been ongoing without interruption in Strasbourg since June 2012, was taken over in its 703rd week by three Kurds from Essen. Those participating in the vigil include Ibrahim Ayne, Azad Burulday, and Abdulazîz Seyîd.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Ibrahim Ayne stated that the action would continue until Leader Apo gains his physical freedom. Ayne said, “As long as Öcalan is not free, neither the Kurdish people nor humanity can be free.”
Ayne emphasized that Abdullah Öcalan is the honor of humanity, saying: “All of humanity should know that Leader Apo must be free. Leader Öcalan, who initiated the Peace and Democratic Society Process, should have gained his freedom by now. It is regrettable that no steps have been taken in this regard.”
Ayne also called on the Turkish state, saying: “Turkey must respond to the steps taken by Leader Öcalan. Those held in prison must be released immediately. We want our friends in Europe to return and for those who are refugees to be freed. As one of our friends said, we have not committed a crime that needs forgiveness; we are asking for what is rightfully ours. Like all people in the world, we want to live in our country, on our own land.”