The European Kurdish Women's Movement (TJK-E) said in a statement: "This year marks the 21st anniversary of the international conspiracy of 15 February 1999, a 'dark day' for Kurdistan and the Middle East as well as humanity.

Our leader Abdullah Öcalan, who succeeded to be the leader of all the oppressed with his life, his thoughts, the great ideology and struggle he carried out, was handed over to the Turkish state as a result of a NATO-Gladio conspiracy 21 years ago."

The statement continued: "The states of the USA, the EU, Israel and Russia, in particular, played a role in this conspiracy. Our leader was abducted through illegal and inhuman practices."

The statement added: "The European Kurdish Women's Movement remembers with respect and gratitude all our martyrs who resisted the 15 February conspiracy and who create a circle of fire around our Leader."

TJK-E called on everyone to participate in the march in Strasbourg on Saturday 15 February under the slogan "Freedom for Leader Apo, Freedom for Kurdistan; "We invite our people and friends, especially women, and everyone who supports freedom and democracy to join the march."