The Swiss political party BastA!, known for its ecological, feminist, and socialist stance, has joined the “#VisitÖcalan” campaign launched by the European Freedom and Peace Forum (EFFP). On behalf of the party, Secretary General Franziska Stier sent an official letter to Turkish Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç, requesting a visit with Abdullah Öcalan.

Franziska Stier, in an interview published on the website of the EFFP, stated that the “Call for Peace and a Democratic Society” issued by Mr. Öcalan on 27 February had significant international resonance.

Stier emphasized that this call presents a “historic opportunity” for building a livable world in the midst of ongoing war and destruction.

Franziska Stier explained her support for the campaign by emphasizing that Mr. Öcalan’s call for peace represents a powerful stance against an era of war.  She stated, “Peace requires dialogue between former enemies. It involves mutual recognition of pain and mourning, mutual respect, and, of course, hope. For all of this, it is essential that Abdullah Öcalan can communicate with the outside world.”

She noted that peace operates with a different logic, saying, “Peace is not simply the silence of weapons. It is the recognition of suffering and the act of reconciliation.”

Stier also underlined the importance of women playing an active role in peace processes, highlighting that women’s bodies are often targeted during war. She called for a collective struggle against militarism.

Stier defined the Kurdish question as a national issue and described Abdullah Öcalan’s understanding of democratic confederalism as “a universal model for resolution.” She said, “Core values such as gender equality, participatory democracy, and ecology are essential building blocks for the kind of world we urgently need.”

Franziska Stier noted that the ongoing wars and traumas in the Middle East make peace more difficult, stressing once again the importance of Mr. Öcalan being able to communicate with the outside world. She said, “Such a process is fragile, trust must be rebuilt, and Abdullah Öcalan is a crucial voice within it. He must be part of the process and must be free to speak.”

Stier also pointed out that the rise of right-wing and fascist movements across Europe has weakened the influence of international institutions and emphasized that peoples must take greater initiative in the struggle for peace and justice.