ISTANBUL – Co-chair of the European Kurdish Democratic Society Congress (KCDK-E), Zübeyde Zümrüt, called on Kurds and their friends in Europe to join the upcoming march and rally in Cologne demanding the physical freedom of Abdullah Öcalan.

 

The event, organized under the international campaign “Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan – A Democratic Solution to the Kurdish Issue,” will take place on 8 November 2025 in Cologne, Germany, under the slogan “Freedom for Leader Apo.” The march will call for the implementation of the European Court of Human Rights’ “right to hope” ruling and Öcalan’s physical freedom.

 

Zübeyde Zümrüt said this will be the third such demonstration and predicted a larger turnout than in previous years: “Following Mr. Öcalan’s February 27 message, the PKK congress, and its recent withdrawal on October 26, we are clearly in a historic phase. Our people are prepared for these dynamics.”

 

She noted that the march will cover a four-kilometer route followed by a mass rally featuring Nobel laureates, academics, members of the İmralı delegation, and internationalist supporters. Öcalan’s message is also expected to be read at the event.

 

“Our main demand is clear — ensuring the physical freedom of our Leader and the immediate implementation of the right to hope. We will voice this with hundreds of thousands in Cologne,” she added.

 

ON ISOLATION AND LEGAL INACTION

 

Referring to Öcalan’s ongoing isolation, Zübeyde Zümrüt said: “Despite the severe isolation, Mr. Öcalan continues to play a constructive role. The European Court of Human Rights ruled in 2014 that his rights were violated, yet the judgment remains unenforced. The Committee of Ministers has discussed it for two years without progress, this is unacceptable.”

 

She criticized Turkish authorities for inaction, saying: “The Kurdish side has taken many steps, but the Turkish state has done nothing. The parliamentary commission on national solidarity and democracy hasn’t even met with Mr. Öcalan. Political and legal steps must be taken immediately. The Kurdish Freedom Movement has fulfilled its responsibilities, showing its sincerity and readiness for peace. In Cologne, we will deliver a message of lasting peace.”

 

‘EUROPE MUST BREAK ITS SILENCE’

 

Zübeyde Zümrüt called European governments to act: “It is unprecedented for a leader like Mr. Öcalan — who offers both historical and contemporary insights, to remain under such isolation. European countries praise his February 27 call and the Kurdish movement’s recent steps, yet they remain silent about his conditions. This silence must end. Europe must assume responsibility for resolving the Kurdish question and enforce the right to hope immediately. It must also apply real political and economic pressure on Turkey. Furthermore, the status of North and East Syria must be respected. Rojava is a major achievement of a 50-year struggle, and we will reaffirm our commitment to protect it.”

 

CALL FOR THE MARCH AND RALLY 

 

Concluding her remarks, Zübeyde Zümrüt called on Kurds and all supporters of democracy and freedom in Europe to participate: “Everyone must take responsibility for this struggle for our people’s free identity. Our people must take their place in the march.” 

 

MA / Esra Solin Dal