{"id":13750,"date":"2025-06-18T08:25:12","date_gmt":"2025-06-18T08:25:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/freedomforabdullahocalan.org\/en\/?p=13750"},"modified":"2025-06-18T08:25:14","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T08:25:14","slug":"the-freedom-for-abdullah-ocalan-campaign-ii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/freedomocalansyria.com\/en\/?p=13750","title":{"rendered":"The ‘Freedom for Abdullah \u00d6calan’ campaign – II"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The campaign, supported by marches and hunger strikes, grows with Abdullah \u00d6calan\u2019s call for a democratic society and peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On 10 October 2023, alongside the global launch of the \u201cFreedom for Abdullah \u00d6calan, Solution to the Kurdish Question\u201d campaign in Strasbourg, a powerful wave of support also rose in Turkey and Northern (Bakur) Kurdistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The campaign, aiming to protest Abdullah \u00d6calan\u2019s continued imprisonment under severe isolation since 1999 in Imral\u0131 Prison and to contribute to a democratic solution to the Kurdish question, has grown through the participation of grassroots movements, civil society organizations, political parties, and imprisoned detainees in Turkey and Northern Kurdistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The fire ignited by the campaign in Europe resonated across Northern Kurdistan, particularly in cities like Amed (Diyarbak\u0131r), Van (Wan), and \u015e\u0131rnak (\u015eirnex), as well as in Turkey\u2019s western provinces such as Istanbul and Izmir. The campaign, supported through marches, press statements, hunger strikes, vigils, and cultural events, has emphasized that Mr. \u00d6calan\u2019s freedom is critical for peace between Kurds and Turks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are the details of events that have taken place in Turkey and Northern Kurdistan since the beginning of the campaign:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2023<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

10 October 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u201cFreedom for Abdullah \u00d6calan, Solution to the Kurdish Question\u201d platform held a press statement in front of the S\u00fcreyya Opera House in Kad\u0131k\u00f6y, Istanbul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Democratic Society Congress (DTK), the Democratic Regions Party (DBP), and the Free Women\u2019s Movement (TJA) held a press conference at S\u00fcmerpark in Amed. DBP Co-Chair Keskin Bay\u0131nd\u0131r stated, \u201c\u00d6calan\u2019s freedom is the freedom of the Kurdish people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Press statements were also made in city centers such as Mardin (M\u00eard\u00een), Batman (\u00calih), Urfa (Riha), and Adana. In Mardin, five people were detained following a police intervention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15 October 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Peoples\u2019 Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) organized a public meeting in Amed to promote the campaign. At the meeting held in S\u00fcmerpark, it was emphasized that Mr. \u00d6calan\u2019s conditions of isolation constituted a violation of human rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A similar meeting was held at Musa Anter Park in Van, where police detained three people following the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

28 October 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A group of seventy-eight individuals, including journalists, artists, writers, politicians, and intellectuals, released a \u201cCall for Peace\u201d declaration during an event held in a hall in Taksim, Istanbul.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The declaration stated, \u201cDialogue must begin for the freedom of \u00d6calan and a democratic solution to the Kurdish question.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The DEM Party and the TJA issued a press statement in support of the declaration. Around two hundred people gathered at Ko\u015fuyolu Park in Amed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3 November 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

TJA organized a seminar at S\u00fcmerpark under the slogan \u201cJin, Jiyan, Azad\u00ee\u201d (Woman, Life, Freedom). President \u00d6calan\u2019s paradigm of women\u2019s liberation was discussed, with the participation of over three hundred women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women\u2019s organizations in Van and Mardin supported the campaign with similar seminars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

18\u201319 November 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On 18 November, the \u201cGemlik March\u201d began in Amed. Tens of thousands marched toward Gemlik under the slogan \u201cEnd isolation, freedom for \u00d6calan.\u201d Police set up barricades on the outskirts of Amed, and thirty people were detained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On 19 November, groups arriving from the Marmara, Aegean, and Central Anatolia regions marched from Kad\u0131k\u00f6y to Gemlik. Due to police obstructions, twenty-five people were taken into custody.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

27 November 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prisoners affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers\u2019 Party (PKK) and the Free Women\u2019s Party (PAJK) in prisons across Turkey and Northern Kurdistan launched a hunger strike to protest the isolation imposed on Mr. \u00d6calan. The strike was particularly concentrated in prisons located in Amed, Van, \u015e\u0131rnak, Elaz\u0131\u011f (Elaziz), Adana, Izmir, and Ankara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Relatives of the prisoners began a \u201cJustice Vigil.\u201d Police detained ten people during the vigil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vigil actions were also organized in Van, Adana, Mersin, Istanbul, and Izmir. In Van\u2019s Musa Anter Park, eight individuals were detained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7\u201314 December 2023<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As part of the \u201cGlobal Abdullah \u00d6calan Book Day,\u201d readings of Mr. \u00d6calan\u2019s works were held in Amed, Van, Mardin, Istanbul, Izmir, Adana, and Urfa. Around five hundred people gathered at S\u00fcmerpark in Amed, while three hundred assembled at Musa Anter Park in Van.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Istanbul\u2019s Kad\u0131k\u00f6y district, the DEM Party set up a stand, which was later removed by police. The \u201cGlobal Abdullah \u00d6calan Book Day\u201d spread to cities across Turkey and Northern Kurdistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1 January 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The TJA launched the \u201cFreedom Readings\u201d event in S\u00fcmerpark, which continued throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Kad\u0131k\u00f6y, the TJA and the Women\u2019s Assembly of the DEM Party held a \u201cJin, Jiyan, Azad\u00ee\u201d forum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFreedom Readings\u201d were also initiated in Van, Mardin, and Adana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15\u201317 January 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Youth Assembly of the DEM Party organized a three-day sit-in protest against the isolation. In Ko\u015fuyolu Park in Amed, two hundred young people unfurled banners reading \u201cFreedom for \u00d6calan\u201d; police detained twelve participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

23\u201325 January 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Istanbul Provincial Organization of the Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP) held a three-day hunger strike in Kad\u0131k\u00f6y. The action was supported by the slogan \u201cEnd isolation, freedom for \u00d6calan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To support the hunger strike, the DEM Party held a press statement in Amed, where five people were detained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15 February 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protests were held in Amed, Van, \u015e\u0131rnak, and Batman on the 25th anniversary of the international conspiracy against Mr. \u00d6calan. In Amed, three hundred people gathered in Ko\u015fuyolu Park, where police detained thirty. In Van\u2019s Musa Anter Park, fifteen people were taken into custody.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8 March 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On International Women\u2019s Day, rallies led by the TJA were held in Amed, Batman, Van, Mardin, Izmir, and Urfa. In Amed\u2019s Istasyon Square, fifty thousand women gathered, while thirty thousand came together at 16 May Stadium in Batman. The rallies, held under the slogan \u201cJin, Jiyan, Azad\u00ee\u201d, emphasized Mr. \u00d6calan\u2019s paradigm of women\u2019s liberation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ten thousand women marched in Kad\u0131k\u00f6y carrying banners that read \u201cFreedom for \u00d6calan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

21 March 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Newroz celebrations were held in Amed, Van (Wan), Mardin, \u015e\u0131rnak, Siirt (S\u00eart), Batman, Urfa, and A\u011fr\u0131 (Agir\u00ee) under the slogan \u201cRabe dema azad\u00ee \u00fb serkeftin\u00ea ye\u201d (\u201cRise up, it is the time for freedom and victory\u201d). Millions demanded the freedom of Mr. \u00d6calan. Posters of Mr. \u00d6calan were carried during the celebrations. Police detained twenty people in Amed and ten in Van.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4 April 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the occasion of Mr. \u00d6calan\u2019s 75th birthday, a march titled \u201cTo Amara for Freedom\u201d was held. Twenty thousand people marched from Halfeti (Xalfeti) to Amara, delivering the message that \u201cThe physical freedom of \u00d6calan is the key to peace.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the 4 April Festival, a message from Mr. \u00d6calan addressed to the youth was read aloud. Police detained ten people during the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The DEM Party held a supporting press statement at S\u00fcmerpark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9 August 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Relatives of political prisoners made a press statement in front of the DEM Party\u2019s \u0130pekyolu (Reya Arm\u00fb\u015f\u00ea) District Organization on the 16th week of the \u201cEnd Isolation\u201d actions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13 October 2024<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite a ban imposed by the governor\u2019s office, the \u201cFreedom for \u00d6calan\u201d rally supported by the DEM Party and the Amed Metropolitan Municipality was held in Istasyon Square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

17 November 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thirty thousand people participated in the \u201cDemocracy and Freedom\u201d rally in Batman.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

23 November 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After 43 months, Mr. \u00d6calan held a family visit with his nephew \u00d6mer \u00d6calan. His message was: \u201cIf the conditions are created, I possess both the theoretical and practical capacity to move the process onto a legal and political ground.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A press statement was made at the DEM Party\u2019s Amed provincial office. The crowd chanted slogans such as \u201cBij\u00ee Serok Apo\u201d (\u201cLong live President \u00d6calan\u201d).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

28 December 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A delegation from the DEM Party, including S\u0131rr\u0131 S\u00fcreyya \u00d6nder, Pervin Buldan, and Ahmet T\u00fcrk, held a second meeting with Mr. \u00d6calan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. \u00d6calan identified the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) as the platform for a solution and stated, \u201cThis is a discussion about how all segments of society can live together in a democratic country.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A public gathering was held in S\u00fcmerpark where Mr. \u00d6calan\u2019s message was discussed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16 December 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u201cDemocratic Solution and Freedom\u201d march began in Amed, heading toward Ankara. Police detained twelve people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2025<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

17 January 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A DEM Party delegation held a third meeting with Mr. \u00d6calan. He stated, \u201cI am ready to take the necessary steps for peace and democracy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The DEM Party\u2019s Van Provincial Organization held a press conference in Musa Anter Park, where the crowd expressed their determination to amplify Mr. \u00d6calan\u2019s message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

27 February 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. \u00d6calan\u2019s \u201cCall for a Democratic Society and Peace\u201d was publicly announced by the DEM Party. Ahmet T\u00fcrk read the statement in Kurdish and Pervin Buldan in Turkish. Women gathered in front of the DEM Party\u2019s provincial office voiced their support for the call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following this declaration, the campaign has continued uninterrupted, focusing on delivering Mr. \u00d6calan\u2019s messages to the people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The support movement in Turkey and Northern Kurdistan, launched in parallel with the European campaign on 10 October 2023, has grown through marches, hunger strikes, vigils, and cultural events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. \u00d6calan\u2019s historic call on 27 February 2025 made the campaign the central platform for the peace process. It has strengthened the hope for peace in Turkey and Northern Kurdistan and continues with the leadership of the DEM Party and the support of the people.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The campaign, supported by marches and hunger strikes, grows with Abdullah \u00d6calan\u2019s call for a democratic society and peace. On 10 October 2023, alongside the global launch of the \u201cFreedom for Abdullah \u00d6calan, Solution to the Kurdish Question\u201d campaign in Strasbourg, a powerful wave of support also rose in Turkey and Northern (Bakur) Kurdistan. The […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13751,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[71],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13750","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/freedomocalansyria.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/444-1.jpg?fit=990%2C556&ssl=1","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/freedomocalansyria.com\/en\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13750","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/freedomocalansyria.com\/en\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/freedomocalansyria.com\/en\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/freedomocalansyria.com\/en\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/freedomocalansyria.com\/en\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13750"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/freedomocalansyria.com\/en\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13750\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13752,"href":"https:\/\/freedomocalansyria.com\/en\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13750\/revisions\/13752"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/freedomocalansyria.com\/en\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/13751"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/freedomocalansyria.com\/en\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13750"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/freedomocalansyria.com\/en\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13750"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/freedomocalansyria.com\/en\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13750"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}