Youth rise up against the isolation of Öcalan
NEWS CENTER (DİHA) - Young people rose up against the isolation of PKK Abdullah Öcalan in many cities across North Kurdistan and Turkey.
Young people rose up against the isolation of the PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan in many cities across North Kurdistan and Turkey. Youth associations organised marches in many urban centres and demanded the freedom Abdullah Öcalan. Young people said that the isolation imposed on Öcalan would not be accepted and that they would step up the struggle against this isolation.
On Monday, June 23 Turkish officials once again rejected an application filed by Abdullah Öcalan's family. Öcalan is also being denied a meeting with the İmralı Delegation since April 5.
MANİSA
Democratic Youth Federation (DEM-GENÇ) organised a march against the isolation of Öcalan since 5 April in the Nurlu Pınar neighbourhood of central Şehzadeler district in Manisa. While the police blockaded the entrance to the neighbourhood, hundreds of youth started to march. HDP Manisa branch executives supported the march of the youth, who frequently chanted “Isolation on Öcalan is a blow on peace” and “Long Live Öcalan.”
MUŞ
Another torch-lit march was organised in the Bulanık district of Muş by the Democratic Youth Federation. Young people gathered in front of the DBP building and first marched to the martyrs’ cemetery in Şehitlik neighbourhood and then visited the grave of YPJ fighter Leyla Selvi (Bêrîtan Axîn). Speaking here, DEM-GENÇ spokesperson Velat Elden said the isolation of Öcalan is a betrayal to the peace process and would not be accepted. The youth then marched back to the DBP building, where they ended the protest.
BURSA
A large group of young people organised a torch-lit march in the Yıldırım district of the western province, Bursa, in response to the call of the Democratic Youth Federation. Gathering in front of the HDP building, the youth marched to Ulus neighbourhood, and frequently chanted the slogans “Long Live Öcalan” and “Freedom to Leader Apo”. Speaking on behalf of DEM-GENÇ, Eser Koçbaş recalled that Öcalan is being denied to have visits since 5 April and said the AKP government was deepening the isolation rather than seeking resolution. Koçbaş said Öcalan was the architect of the peace process and his isolation must end immediately.
İSTANBUL
A large group of young activists also organised a march in the Kanarya neighbourhood of Küçükçekmece district in Istanbul in order protest the isolation of Öcalan and demand his freedom. The youth gathered in front of the HDP building and held a torch-lit march until Istasyon square. HDP and HDK district executives also participated in the march as well as the women of the neighbourhood.
ŞIRNAK
Activists from DEM-GENÇ and KJA held a march against the isolation of Öcalan in Şırnak as well. Thousands of people, including HDP and DBP Şırnak branch executives marched from the HDP building to Azadi Square, where a press conference was held by the crowd. Speaking here, DEM-GENÇ activist Çınar Kütler said the struggle continuing for 40 years is now near to victory, and added that the only interlocutor in the peace process is Mr. Öcalan whose freedom is vital. Kütler said that Kurdish youth would not accept the isolation of Öcalan and would step up the struggle for his freedom.
DİYARBAKIR
DEM-GENÇ and KJA activists also protested the isolation of Öcalan with a torch-lit march in the Ergani district of Diyarbakır. The group marched from the HDP building to Sakine Cansız Park. Speaking here on behalf of the group, DEM-GENÇ activist Sevda Kaya said that the state’s imposition of isolation on Öcalan amounts to ending the peace process. Kaya added that the youth and women would not accept this isolation and called on everyone to continue struggling for Öcalan’s freedom.
(nt)
