A central Newroz celebration organised by KON-MED (Confederation of Kurdistan Communities in Germany) and its member associations from all over Germany is taking place today in Rebstockpark in Frankfurt. "Newroz means freedom" is the motto of the event, which is expected to attract tens of thousands of people from Germany and other European countries.

Buses have been arriving at the festival site since the early morning. Joint bus journeys have been organised from dozens of cities, while other participants arrive by private car or public transport. For security reasons, the organisers carry out checks at the entrance. People started dancing even before the stage programme began. Slogans such as "Jin Jiyan Azadî" (Woman, Life, Freedom) and "Bijî Serok Apo" (Long Live Leader Öcalan) are frequently chanted by the masses.

The central demand at today's event relates to the "Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan and a political solution to the Kurdish question" campaign launched last October. The celebration is intended to strengthen the internationally led initiative against the isolation of the Kurdish leader, who has been imprisoned in Turkey for 25 years, and the war in Kurdistan.

The Newroz Programme includes the following:

*Sppech by KON-MED Co-Chairs (Ruken Akça-Kerem Gök)

*KAWA Federation public greeting

*Koma Rojava (Music Group)

*MAD ART (Music group)

*Tevgera JIN description

*Berfin Mamedova (Music)

*Cinevision

*Seyda Perinçek (Music)

*Speech by Kurdish friendly representatives

*Deza Amed (Music)

*SPD

*FOAD GOLNASAB (Music)

*Govend

*Koma Carnewa (Music)

*Janine Wissler (Armand Zorn MDB-SDP-FRAKTION Member of the Federal Parliament)

*Lawje (Music)

*Riyad ABO (Music)

*Ibo Qamishlo