MEP Dance calls for freedom for Öcalan

Member of the European Parliament Seb Dance announced support for the campaign British trade unions launched for Öcalan’s freedom. Dance demands the immediate release of Abdullah Öcalan.

Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) Co-chairs Nilufer Koç and Ali Gul Ozbek met with MEP Seb Dance in Brussels. 

The politicians discussed political developments based in Turkey, Iraq and Iran and stressed the Turkish state oppression in particular. 

Dance said European Parliament member states’ and the European Commission’s silence on the unlawfulness and human rights violations in Turkey and the region is unacceptable. Dance added that they will do everything in their power to show solidarity with the Kurdish people.

KNK Co-chair Koc stated that the Kurdish people and the struggle for freedom they lead is the only option for peace, democracy and stability in the Middle East and asked Dance for support for their efforts in the EP.

Dance, Labour MEP representing London, issued a statement after the meeting and called for the immediate release of Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan and that the Turkish state start negotiations with the PKK.

Dance stressed that Öcalan is a leader who strives for democracy, peace and equality and added that the conditions of captivity that will have continued for 20 years in February 2019 should end at once, and Öcalan should have his freedom.

There is a widespread campaign in the UK in particular for Öcalan’s freedom. The campaign had been declared by the largest British trade unions in the UK’s Parliament. In September, municipal council members from around the UK and London City Council members launched the Justice for Kurdistan campaign.