The Freedom for Öcalan Vigil continued in Strasbourg since 25 June 2012 demanding the freedom of Kurdish people's leader Abdullah Öcalan. 

A new group from the German city of Dortmund took over the Freedom for Öcalan Vigil this week the 462nd week.

Yusuf Durdu, Xelef Abdulkadir, Leyla Hami and Çiyazan Koçer have taken over the Freedom for Öcalan Vigil on week 462. The vigil is taking place where ​​the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, the European Court of Human Rights and the Committee for the Prevention of Torture are located.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Yusuf Durdu said that “for 9 years, the Kurdish people have claimed their democratic rights in the heart of Europe, which claims to be the defenders of democracy.” He added that in fact, “the European countries are watching over their political and economic interests.”

Adding that the Kurdish people see Leader Abdullah Öcalan as the will and the address for the solution of the Kurdish problem, Durdu emphasized that with the Freedom Vigil they are showing this to the countries that are part of the International Conspiracy [which led to the capture of Öcalan in 1999].

Stating that the Kurdish people will continue their actions until the freedom of their leader is ensured, Yusuf Durdu added that the Kurds have proved their determination all over the world.

Durdu expressed his condolences to the Kurdish people by commemorating Martyr Sinan Dersim (Dalokay Şanlı) and stated that they bowed respectfully before the memories of those who were murdered during the Armenian Genocide.

Durdu said that on the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the invading Turkish state launched its comprehensive invasion in South Kurdistan and added that the peoples should fight against fascism together.

Durdu saluted the historical resistance of the guerrilla and added that the Freedom Vigil represents the historical resistance will of this struggle in Europe. He called on the Kurdish people and their friends to stand up against occupation and fascism.