AMED – The Democratic Institutions Platform will hold a rally titled “Hope and Freedom” on January 25 at Amed Station Square, calling for the physical freedom of Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan. Speaking ahead of the rally, Rezan Kağanarslan, Co-Spokesperson of the DEM Party Youth Assembly, called on young people to participate in the rally with the spirit of resistance embodied in Rojava.

 

Kağanarslan stated that Abdullah Öcalan represents more than an individual, describing him as a symbol of hope for a people and a geography. “When we speak of such a figure, his freedom and the conditions that allow him to live and work freely carry a deeply political meaning,” she said. Emphasizing the political significance of İmralı Island since its establishment, Kağanarslan noted that Öcalan’s presence there has further intensified this significance. She added that Öcalan is internationally recognized as a political actor through the Democratic Modernity paradigm he developed.

 

Highlighting the importance of Öcalan’s freedom in the current context, Kağanarslan pointed out that he has been referred to as a “chief negotiator” by state representatives, including Devlet Bahçeli, and that calls have been made for him to address parliament. “In such an environment, his working conditions must be improved,” she said. Recalling that the PKK demanded Öcalan’s freedom when it declared its dissolution, Kağanarslan stated that despite being held in a 12-square-meter cell, Öcalan has been able to contribute to the creation of a peace process. “If free working conditions were ensured, the impact would be limitless,” she added.

 

Kağanarslan underlined that securing Öcalan’s physical freedom would generate strong motivation, particularly among young people. “The struggle he began in his youth continues today with the participation of young people,” she said. According to Kağanarslan, meeting a leader whose books are read and whose recordings are followed would serve as a powerful source of inspiration. She invited all young people to gather at Station Square on January 25 to demand Öcalan’s freedom.

 

Addressing recent attacks targeting Rojava, Kağanarslan stated that young people continue to resist in defense of its gains. She noted that youth-led actions are ongoing and that calls for the rally are being made during these protests. “The youth who take to the streets for Rojava will also be present at the rally for Öcalan’s freedom,” she said, adding, “We will carry the resistance of Rojava into the rally. Let us flood the square with the spirit of Rojava.”

 

MA / Fethi Balaman