Women politicians called on everyone, especially women, to participate in the “Hope and Freedom” rally to be organized by the Democratic Institutions Platform on 4 January at Amed (Diyarbakır) Station Square, demanding the freedom of Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan.

 

Gulsen Ozer, Co-Chair of the provincial organization of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, stated “Kurdish women see their freedom in the freedom of Mr. Öcalan. If Mr. Öcalan is not free, then we are not free either,” and called on everyone to raise their voices for Abdullah Öcalan’s freedom at the rally on 4 January.

 

Sur Municipality Co-Mayor Gulan Onkol pointed out that women have a leading role in society. Stating that the significant process underway for the resolution of the Kurdish issue cannot progress in a healthy manner without ensuring Abdullah Öcalan’s physical freedom, she said: “We call on all women to bring color and strength to the rally. As the Kurdish people, we demand the implementation of the right to hope and the achievement of Mr. Öcalan’s physical freedom.”

 

‘WOMEN MUST TAKE THE LEAD’

 

Yenişehir Municipality Co-Mayor Safiye Akdağ stated that the process initiated for the resolution of the Kurdish issue aims at building lasting peace and a meaningful life. Emphasizing that women have paid the heaviest price of war, Akdağ said: “Women feel this process in every aspect of their lives. For this reason, women must take the lead in the efforts being carried out.”

 

‘LET US OWN THE RALLY’

 

Demet Ceylan, a member of the Amed Metropolitan Municipality Council, stressed that the rally holds great significance in strengthening hope for peace, saying: “This rally is very important to not lose hope for peace, to grow it and to socialize it. It is especially valuable for women to take ownership of the rally.”

 

MA / Fethi Balaman