Êzidî Women's Umbrella Assembly (Siwana Meclisa Jinên Êzidî - SMJE) members Fikriya Ferho, Cihan Hewran, Zerê Daban, Gewre Şaka, Tembiya Alkış and Nurê Alkış took over the Freedom for Öcalan vigil that continues in Strasbourg, France in its 249th week.

SMJE members gave the message that they will not make compromises on Öcalan's freedom.

Fikriya Ferho spoke on behalf of SMJE members and drew attention to the role of Kurdish People's Leader Öcalan in the enlightenment of women, and said that they have chosen Öcalan as their leader. Ferho said they decided to join the vigil in order to demand an end to Öcalan's imprisonment, stressing that women will stand with their leader Öcalan.

The Freedom for Öcalan Vigil is held in Robertsau district, which is home to the Council of Europe, as well as the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), the European Parliament (EP), Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) and other such institutions. The vigil continues through all 7 days of the week and is the longest-running demonstration held by Kurds without a single day break in between.

The Vigil began on June 25, 2012, and has continued without a pause since then. In every week of the vigil, Öcalan’s thoughts on the struggles of women, Kurds and humanity are promoted. Protestors have reached out to millions of people so far during the vigil that also attracts the attention of tourists visiting Strasbourg.