KCDK-E honors Bernd Ruprecht as “a very valuable friend”

After the death of internationalist Bernd Ruprecht, the Kurdish European umbrella organization KCDK-E honored his decades-long engagement with the Kurdish movement. In a condolence message, the organization described Ruprecht as a “very valuable friend” who had taken on a consistent role alongside Kurds over many years.

Ruprecht was actively involved in Kurdish solidarity work for around four decades and consistently spoke out—particularly in Germany—against repression targeting the Kurdish community. “His commitment knew no boundaries, and he was not intimidated by any state pressure,” the organization stated.

“He believed in the revolutionary spirit of the Kurdish freedom movement”

A central focus of his work was political public outreach. For more than 40 years, Ruprecht contributed to German-language publications, including the magazine Kurdistan Report. The KCDK-E statement highlighted his role as a formative part of this work, noting that his continuous contributions played a significant role in making the movement’s ideas accessible and understandable.

KCDK-E also emphasized that Ruprecht’s solidarity went beyond support for national rights. “He understood the Kurdish freedom movement in its broader political and social dimensions. He believed in the revolutionary spirit of the Kurdish freedom movement and knew that it holds historical significance for the Middle East,” the message said.

“We bow in respect before his memory”

His internationalism, KCDK-E said, was not limited to symbolic gestures but was expressed through concrete action. “His understanding of internationalism was not reflected in words, but in practical work and great dedication,” the statement continued. This also included Ruprecht’s efforts against political and legal repression in Germany, it added.

Reflecting on his long-standing contributions, KCDK-E stated that Ruprecht had “taken a firm place in this struggle.” His commitment will continue to have an impact beyond his death. “We bow in respect before his memory,” the organization concluded.