The vigil, which began on 20 July 2023 in the Martyr Rustem Cudi (Maxmur) Refugee Camp for the physical freedom of Abdullah Öcalan, continues on its 885th day with the 173rd group.
The handover of the vigil at the Martyrs’ Families Institution began with a one-minute silence in honor of all the martyrs of the Kurdish Freedom Movement.
Teacher Ayten Sure read the statement on behalf of the 172nd group.
The statement included the following:
“As is known, Leader Apo [Abdullah Öcalan] has been struggling with a strong will under all conditions for 26 years. As the Martyr Rustem Cudi Camp, we have been continuing the vigil since 2023. Leader Apo is the key to solving the Kurdish question and the problems in the Middle East. At the same time, he is one of the main actors of the 21st century. To overcome the current chaos and urgently resolve problems, the ideas and ideology of Leader Apo are needed. The peace and democratic society process initiated by Leader Apo does not only concern the Kurdish people but all peoples.
For this process to succeed, the conditions faced by the leadership must be improved. Moreover, Leader Apo must be physically freed.
Although the right to hope exists under the Council of Europe charter, this right has not been granted to Leader Apo. In connection with this, the state does not allow intellectuals and journalists to meet with Leader Apo. This shows the state’s weaknesses in its approach to the process and in solving problems.
To embrace the peace and democratic society process, we—especially as women—must strengthen our Leadership. We must act on the basis of the Peace and Democratic Society manifesto and Leader Apo’s messages for the brotherhood of Kurds and all peoples.”