The bus tour appealing for Öcalan’s freedom, called “Öcalan Library – freedom for Öcalan and all political prisoners”, had started its tour on 9 October in Strasbourg, France, and after three weeks of activities in Germany, Austria, France, Belgium and the Netherlands, it has reached Hamburg. The purpose of the bus tour, which began three weeks ago, is to introduce Öcalan’s ideas and views to the European public.

Among the participants are activists from various countries like Italy, Germany, France and Uruguay. German activist Peter Müller is one of them. He is also a member of the project’s committee.

Stating that they encounter interested people in all countries, Müller explained that their purpose is to introduce Öcalan’s views to the European public. According to Müller, Öcalan is a leader of the oppressed and freedom-seeking people and “the philosopher of our time. His ideas provide solutions to the crisis both in the Middle East and the world. Therefore, we have to continue reading and sharing his ideas.”

In an interview with ANF, activist Peter Müller spoke about the goals of the “Freedom for Öcalan” tour, Europe’s interest in Öcalan’s ideas and anecdotes from the tour.

THE BUS HAS VISITED SIX COUNTRIES, TENS OF CITIES

How many cities has the “Freedom for Öcalan” bus visited?

After Strasbourg, we continued with Stuttgart, Germany; then Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Netherlands, and now, we are in Hamburg. From here, we will travel to the Scandinavian countries. Of course, we conducted lots of activities in these countries.

How would you describe the interest you have gained during the tour? And would you elaborate on the activities you have conducted?

We have a different program in each city. That is always dependent. We organize panels, seminars, street demonstrations. Participants are from local institutions, members of municipal assemblies and the people. I would like to share an example from Paris: When we were welcomed, but also during the panels and seminars that we organized, the interest was huge. Our activities were successful. Similar activities were conducted in Liege, Belgium as well. People ask us questions and really want to learn things. And that is exactly the goal: to introduce who Öcalan is, what he does and what his views are. Particularly, people from Africa seem to know Öcalan. They know of the connection to Mandela and that is how they know him. They do not know so much about the topic, but they have heard of him. Others again do not know Öcalan’s vies in detail, but they know the Kurdish struggle. But people show interest in the brochures and books of Öcalan that we share.

Which books of Öcalan do you have in the bus?

We have more of brochures. Particularly, “Liberating life: Woman’s Revolution”, “Democratic Nation”, “Democratic Confederalism” and “War and Peace in Kurdistan”. These are available in German, English, French, Flemish, Spanish and Scandinavian languages. German and English translations are available also of the book “To Defend A People” and 5 volumes of his defense.

WE ARE ACTIVISTS FROM SEVERAL COUNTRIES

Where are the participants mostly from?

We have Kurdish activists and friends of the Kurds from several countries like Germany, France, Italy and Uruguay. That is a big chance for us. All participants speak different languages. So we do not face any difficulty while travelling in various countries. That is very essential, because it would not be enough to simply distribute brochures without talking to the people. We need to explain and speak about Öcalan’s ideas and the goals of the Kurdish freedom movement. When we talk to people, they understand, they ask, they want to know more.

How would you describe a normal day in the bus?

Some trips are long, some are short. So, it is always different. We are in good mood. We sing songs, hold discussions or read books. Especially in short trips, local people join us in the bus. We are always glad, when children join us. That is good motivation.

You are on the road for such a long time now. Any interesting experience you would like to share with us?

A couple of days ago at a gas station in France, we saw a bus with a Spanish license plate. When we went them, who were all women, they said they were Catalans. We had a conversation. We told them about the Kurdish struggle and Öcalan, and gave them brochures in Spanish. They were very glad and interested.

ÖCALAN IS PROVIDING PROJECTS FOR SOLUTION

What does Öcalan mean to you?

To my mind, Öcalan is the leader of the Kurdish people. Beyond, and in respect of the current crisis in the Middle East, the solutions he offers make him a leader of all peoples. He is the philosopher of our time. 50 years back, people would read Marx, Engels, Lenin and Mao to solve the problems. But it did not work out. Öcalan is trying to solve those problems now. The globe is undergoing a huge crisis right now. Natural disasters, refugees and wars. Again, right-wing parties come to government. Mr. Öcalan treats these developments, and offers projects for solution to us. There is a struggle against the crisis and chaos created by ISIS and similar organizations in the Middle East. All colors and different ideas fight under one flag. And this is made possible through Öcalan’s ideas. Therefore, Öcalan is not only a leader of the Kurds, but all oppressed, exploited, freedom-seeking people. One should look at it this way.

How do European democratic circles view Öcalan’s ideas?

I believe that Öcalan’s views are also a solution to the European crisis. In April, a conference took place in Hamburg with the participation of several internationalists from many countries. It was an important step and event. Öcalan’s ideas had repercussions. Nevertheless, there is anti-propaganda spread against Öcalan in Europe, particularly in Germany. They use the term “terrorist” for him. There are even leftists influenced by that anti-propaganda. Although many people read about, go and see Rojava, the anti-propaganda is showing off as well and reaching out to some people. There is a Democratic Confederalism committee in France. Again, in other countries, there are working groups. They achieve important things. Still, our main challenge is to reach out to more people. And that is the goal of this bus. Right, the bus is important, but it does not solve all issues. Therefore, we need to share our cause with more associations and platforms. We have to read and share these views.