As part of the “I want to meet with Abdullah Öcalan” campaign launched to demand a meeting with Kurdish people’s leader Abdullah Öcalan, a 39-member delegation from various countries arrived in Turkey and issued a joint declaration stated: “In order for the democratic process to reach its full potential, Mr. Öcalan and all political prisoners must be released immediately and unconditionally.”

Italian lawyer Fabio Marcelli, who was part of the delegation that included parliamentarians, jurists, writers, and journalists, spoke to ANF. Marcelli, who has been involved in the Kurdish question for 33 years, emphasized that the most important factor for a just peace is that the process be embraced by the people.

I became involved in the Kurdish question with the founding of DEP

Fabio Marcelli said he began engaging with the Kurdish question following the establishment of the Democracy Party (DEP), and recalled that he had traveled to Turkey at the time when the parliamentary immunity of DEP deputies, including Leyla Zana, Orhan Doğan, and Ahmet Türk, was lifted and they were prosecuted and imprisoned by State Security Courts (DGM).

Marcelli also referred to the international plot against Abdullah Öcalan that followed and commented on Italy’s role in that process: “Italy’s economic situation at the time, its ties with NATO and Turkey, and international pressure all pushed the Italian government in that direction. There is, in fact, a very paradoxical situation here. The Rome Court had accepted Abdullah Öcalan’s asylum application because it knew Turkey would not grant him a fair trial. But later, Italy changed its stance. This is, of course, unacceptable in legal terms from the perspective of democratic principles.”

Öcalan’s idea of democratic confederalism is extremely valuable

Fabio Marcelli emphasized that Abdullah Öcalan has developed a profoundly important idea, noting that its foundation in popular autonomy, women's liberation, and an ecological society makes it especially valuable.

Marcelli highlighting the relevance of this idea for both the Middle East and the world and said: “What is happening in the Middle East today, especially Israel’s actions in Palestine, clearly shows that things are heading in the wrong direction. In this context, Öcalan’s vision of a democratic society offers a way out. Democratic confederalism, therefore, is not only a model for the Middle East but one that could be applied in many countries. Because when participation of the people is prioritized in a capitalist society, power relations can shift.”

What matters is the socialization of the issue

Fabio Marcelli described Abdullah Öcalan’s “Call for Peace and a Democratic Society” as a positive initiative that could advance the process, especially at a time when disarmament is being discussed. He stressed that for Öcalan to fulfill his role, the isolation imposed on him must be lifted immediately and he must be set free.

Marcelli stated, “We know that the Kurdish people, especially in terms of their mother tongue, are deprived of their rights. These legal rights must be guaranteed both constitutionally and legislatively. Likewise, the ongoing process itself must also be safeguarded legally. The Turkish government needs to take steps.”

Marcelli emphasized the importance of public involvement for a just peace and said, “The socialization of the issue is crucial. It is essential that peace be embraced by the people. Wars are waged by those in power, but no one among the people wants war. Solving the Kurdish question in Turkey would mean democratization for everyone. Only a process in which the people are included can bring about such democratization. This applies not only to Turkey, but also to Italy and many other countries. What truly matters here is the socialization of the issue.”