Fighters from the People’s Defense Units (YPG) and the Women’s Defense Units (YPJ) spoke to YPG Press Office and explained the importance of Abdullah Öcalan, his ideas in their struggle for freedom, and for the liberation of Raqqa from ISIS.

A fighter from YPJ stresses that they will not accept a life without Öcalan, saying; “Those who think Rêber Apo (Leader Öcalan) doesn’t deserve respect are those whom not to respect to.” She underlines that “the resistance here is first and foremost for him”.

Speaking after, a YPG fighter from the US, Ali Rojhilat, said what Apo means to him is freedom, women’s liberation and people’s right to self-determination.

YPG Press Office interviewed the fighters on the importance of Öcalan for them.