A big march and rally will be organized in Cologne, Germany on November 16th to demand the physical freedom of PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan and a solution to the Kurdish issue. Co-chair of the Kurdish Democratic Society Congress in Europe (KCDK-E) Engin Sever called on all Kurds and their suporters in Europe to participate in the rally.  

 

WORK FOR THE RALLY CONTINUES 

 

Noting that the global campaign launched on October 10, 2023 continues, “In this process, all Kurdish institutions in Europe continue their work with a spirit of mobilization. Letters were sent to the CPT and the Council of Europe, public meetings were organized, seminars and conferences were held. We also organized various events on important days for Kurds such as Newroz, March 8 and April 4. Our aim is to ensure the freedom of Leader Apo,” Sever said. 

 

Pointing out that the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers' decision to give Turkey until September 25, 2025 for Abdullah Öcalan's “right to hope” is also a result of the campaign, "Leader Apo must be freed as soon as possible, we do not accept restrictive processes suc as the right to hope," he said. 

 

Sever stated that they have organized public meetings such as France, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium and they will organize many actions and events many cities in Europe until November 16. 

 

MANY CIRCLES WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE RALLY

 

“The physical freedom of Leader Apo must be ensured. Our struggle for this cause will not stop. At the big rally on November 16, the message will be 'Freedom for Leader Apo, right now'. Kurds living in Europe see Leader Apo's freedom as equivalent to their own honor and identity. The Kurdish people have run out of patience. We will call on the CPT and Europe to fulfill their responsibilities. Knowing that Leader Apo is in good health and receiving his greetings is a breath of fresh air for us, but this is not enough,” he said. 

 

Sever continued as follows: “The rally will be attended not only by Kurds, but also by supporters of the Kurdish people and various internationalist groups supporting the movement. 25 internationalist groups in Europe have made a statement of support for our work. Members of the committee representing Mr. Öcalan in Europe will also take part in the rally. Many civil society organizations, politicians from Turkey and Kurdistan will be at the rally. The freedom of Leader Apo is necessary for Kurds to live a free and honorable life in the 21st century and to avoid a new Lausanne process. Leader Apo is the honor of the Kurdish people. The Kurdish people must protect their honor.”

 

MA / Delal Akyüz