'Freedom for Ocalan' vigil in Strasbourg in its 291st week

The 'Freedom for Ocalan' vigil held in front of the Council of Europe (CoE) in France city of Strasbourg since June 25, 2012, continues in its 291st week.

The 'Freedom for Ocalan' vigil held in front of the Council of Europe (CoE) in France city of Strasbourg since June 25, 2012, continues in its 291st week.

The vigil was this week taken over by four members of the South France Women’s Movement under the Movement of Kurdish Women in Europe (TJK-E).

The vigil continues with great resolve despite the cold weather and women are informing the public with the flyers and leaflets they hand out to people about Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Ocalan’s life, ideas and struggle since they took over the vigil on Sunday.

Activists from South France underline that Ocalan’s freedom is a must for a peaceful, democratic and equal life in Kurdistan and the Middle East. The female activists called on the Council of Europe and the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) to act in order for immediate access to the Kurdish leader.

The female demonstrators also call upon the Kurdish people to stand up against the preparations for an onslaught and massacre in Kurdistan, citing the Turkish state’s threats against Afrin.

The Freedom for Ocalan Vigil is held in Robertsau district, which is home to the Council of Europe (CoE), 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, Ocalan’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. The vigil has been joined by more than 1500 people until now.