The Freedom for Öcalan Vigil was launched in Strasbourg on 25 June 2012. The action is held at the point where European institutions are located and aimed at ending the Imrali torture and genocide system, and ensuring the physical freedom of Abdullah Öcalan.

The vigil was taken over by Democratic Union Party (PYD) members Elî Oman, Mihemmed Mihemmed and Mistefa Haftaro in its 655th week.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Elî Oman said: “Our people have been holding this vigil in front of the European Parliament for years to say stop to the isolation imposed on our Leader. We have been here for 13 years. We call on all our people to come and participate in this vigil, which is very valuable work. Our Leader has recently started a new process. Our expectation of the people of Kurdistan living in Europe, is that they support this process. This is our call especially to the people of North Kurdistan. They should increase their democratic activities in every city, every village.”

Call to attend the march on 11 January

Oman also underlined the nearing of the Paris Massacre, and said: “We expect our people to attend the march for Truth and Justice on 11 January in Paris.”

Support Rojava

Finally, Oman added: “Rojava Kurdistan is not independent of this process either. As PYD activists in front of the CPT and European Parliament, we send our greetings to the SDF fighters who are resisting in Tishrin and Manbij. We believe that our people will support the SDF and the Autonomous Administration during this sensitive process.”