As debate continues over shortcomings in the framework law introduced as part of the Peace and Democratic Society Process, the failure to ensure the conditions necessary for Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan to work freely continues to draw criticism. Representatives of civil society organizations and members of the public called for Abdullah Öcalan’s physical freedom.

 

Zeynep Özbek said she believes in Abdullah Öcalan and the Kurdish people, stated the framework law was only a first step, adding that the Kurdish people would built on it by securing Abdullah Öcalan’s physical freedom. Zeynep Özbek said: “If the Leader (Abdullah Öcalan) is not free and the Kurdish language is not recognized as an official language, then this framework will have no real meaning. The Kurdish people, through stronger organization, will pave the way for many more laws to be enacted.”

 

‘THE LEADER’S STATUS MUST BE RECOGNIZED’

 

Renas Yıldız, co-chair of the Ari Language and Cultural Studies Association (ARİ-DER), pointed the steps taken by the Kurds, saying the state had failed to show the same level of sincerity. Yıldız said: “We have not seen any concrete steps from the state towards an honorable and lasting peace. We can never regard the framework law as a sufficient step. There must be definitely be follow-up measures, and they must come quickly. The state must serve peace and democratic society. But above all, the Leader’s status must be recognized. We have already waited long enough. If the Leader does not enter society freely, this process will continue to be marred by mistakes. The Leader is the person who started this process and has worked hardest for it. He must be granted his physical freedom as soon as possible so that he can continue this process from outside.”

 

Yıldız added: “The framework law is far too limited in scope. It states that prisoners detained before 2005 are excluded from its provisions. If we are talking about a peace process, this provision needs to be expanded. And if we are talking about peace, we must not forget the Kurdish people’s language, culture and arts. The Kurdish language must be formally recognized in schools. This is what the struggle has been about.”

 

‘OUR EXPECTATIONS FOR THE FRAMEWORK LAW WERE HIGHER’

 

Emphasizing that they want a lasting and dignified peace, Peace Mother Şükran Akış said: “Our expectations for the framework law that was passed were much higher. We cannot consider the existing provisions sufficient. Our priority is the Leader’s freedom. We want our prisoners to be free. We are talking about a peace that is accepted by everyone. We do not want any more bloodshed or massacres. We want our Leader to be free. We are not asking for much. If it were not for the Leader, this process would never have reached this stage.”

 

‘WE WANT THE LEADER TO BE RELEASED’

 

Berivan Doğan, a member of the public, said, “We want the Leader to be released and to be among his people. He should now be able to lead his people from outside prison. Everyone should stand together. Kurds, Turks and Arabs... We are all one. There should be no discrimination.”