On the 10th of October, actions we organised across Europe and Abya Yala to commemorate the second anniversary of the international campaign “Freedom for Öcalan, Political Solution to the Kurdish Question.”
Throughout actions organised, the message remained consistent: we want to visit Öcalan, we demand his freedom, his ideas on a democratic modernity are an inspiration for struggles around the world. At the same time, they drew attention to current global crises, and the need to build an alternative grounded in principles women’s liberation, ecology, and the democratic organisation of societies. Women and youth led the way: sowing the seeds of a new internationalism.
Sweden
For the 2nd anniversary of the campaign, posters prepared by the Academy of Democratic Modernity were put up across Stockholm, Sweden.
A press conference later in the day held in Stockholm brought together Ann Margaret Livy— a veteran and long-standing friend of the Kurdish struggle — Daniel Riazat, member of Sweden Parliament and members of Sweden’s leading committee advocating “Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan and a political solution to the Kurdish question.” The panel briefed media on current developments, the European legal context, and Sweden’s role in supporting a peaceful, democratic resolution.
Italy
In Italy, youth organised a “moving concert” in which activists asked people on the streets to comment on selected quotes from Abdullah Öcalan. A gathering with banners calling for the freedom of Abdullah Ocalan was later held, with speeches given calling for his freedom.
Mexico
In Mexico, Regeneración Radio shared an analysis titled “Kurdistán, la Tercera Guerra Mundial y la solución de la tercera vía” (Kurdistan, the Third World War and the solution of the third way).
More here: https://regeneracionradio.org/archivos/15423
Spain
On the 10th of October, statements of solidarity were shared by both the Confederación Intersindical (Área Internacional), and Intersindical Valenciana calling for the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan, and a Political Solution to the Kurdish Question.
Statement from the Confederación Intersindical (Área Internacional): https://intersindical.es/por-la-libertad-de-abdullah-ocalan-y-una-solucion-democratica-al-conflicto-kurdo/
Statement from Intersindical Valenciana: https://intersindical.org/solidaria/article_solidaria/per_la_llibertat_dabdullah_oecalan_i_del_poble_kurd
Germany
A photo campaign was organised by Women Defend Rojava – Celle and Defend Kurdistan – Celle for the anniversary of the campaign. Their statement reads:
On October 10, activists in Celle demanded the release of Abdullah Öcalan with a photo campaign.
The campaign was part of a day of action organized by the international campaign “Freedom for Öcalan and a political solution to the Kurdish question” to mark its second anniversary. Actions with this demand are taking place worldwide these days.
In a short speech, those involved in Celle emphasized the importance of Abdullah Öcalan in the struggle for a liberated society. With the consistent development of democratic confederalism, which is based on grassroots democracy, gender liberation, and ecology, Abdullah Öcalan inspires people far beyond Kurdistan to build social self-organization.
Abdullah Öcalan is a Kurdish philosopher, theoretical pioneer, and political representative who is regarded by millions of Kurds worldwide as their representative. Exactly 26 years ago, in October 1998, he was forced to leave Syria. He was eventually kidnapped in February 1999 as part of an international intelligence operation and has been imprisoned on the Turkish prison island of İmralı ever since. The release of Öcalan and thousands of other political prisoners would be a significant step in the peace process initiated by the Kurdistan freedom movement.
In Madgeburg, Germany poster actions were also organised to commemorate the anniversary of the campaign.
Colombia
In Bogota, Colombia, street actions were organised in which book stands were set up and activists read passages from Ocalan’s books.
Mali
From Mali, a comrade from the Association for Coordination and Development of the Rights and Defense of Displaced Peoples sent greetings to the campaign, and called for the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan.
In the upcoming days, actions will continue as the Kurdish community and internationalists denounce the 27th anniversary of the beginning of the international conspiracy that led to the abduction of Abdullah Öcalan.