An international campaign titled 'I want to visit Abdullah Öcalan' was launched in early June under the initiative of the European Forum for Freedom and Peace (EFFP), calling for in-person visits to be allowed with Abdullah Öcalan at Imralı Prison. As part of the campaign, official requests will be submitted to Turkey’s Ministry of Justice. In addition, video messages will be shared on social media to support the appeal. The organizers call on the international public to support the current process for democracy and peace in Turkey through the resolution of the Kurdish Question. In doing so, they recognize the historic opportunity created by Abdullah Öcalan in his February 27 call for “Peace and a Democratic Society”, and the necessity of his full participation in such a process going forward. 

As part of the process that began with the February 27 call, a delegation of 39 internationally recognized personalities is visiting Istanbul to express support for a peaceful and democratic solution to the Kurdish issue and raise awareness in the international community for the physical freedom of the Kurdish leader.

The international delegation consists of academics, trade unionists, civil society organization members, journalists, lawyers, parliamentarians, feminists, scientists, writers, researchers, and municipal officials from Austria, Germany, Italy, Spain, Catalonia, France, Switzerland, and Japan.

The European delegation submitted a petition containing their request to meet with Öcalan to the Istanbul-based Asrın Law Office, which represents the Kurdish leader.

Asrın Law Office lawyer İbrahim Bilmez thanked the delegation and explained that Öcalan has been held in harsh isolation conditions in İmralı Prison since 1999.

Bilmez said, “It is difficult to resolve sociological and structural problems with such historical background. We need to be patient, we need to make an effort, and most importantly, we need solidarity. In this sense, it is very important that you are here.”

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Italian parliamentarian Francesca Ghirra said, “We are here to show our solidarity with the people and Mr. Öcalan. We hope that this effort will grow; that is why we are here to truly stand in solidarity with you.”