The Free Women’s Movement (Tevgera Jinên Azad–TJA), the Democratic Regions Party (DBP), and the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party will hold a “Freedom Rally” on June 28 at İstasyon Square in Amed, calling for Öcalan’s physical freedom.

 

The Rally Organizing Committee held a press conference regarding the event at the DEM Party Amed Provincial Organization. DEM Party Amed Co-Chair Gülşen Özer stated, “The freedom of Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan is the freedom of the Kurdish people,” adding that Öcalan should regain his freedom as soon as possible.

 

The press statement, read in Kurdish by Association of Lawyers for Freedom (ÖHD) Amed Branch Co-Chair Muhittin Muğuç, and in Turkish by DEM Party Amed Provincial Deputy Co-Chair for Organization, Güliz Kaya, said the following: “For decades, the Kurdish people have been struggling for freedom, identity, and a dignified life. Heavy sacrifices have been made in this struggle; not only the Kurdish people but all peoples seeking equality and democracy have endured great suffering. Yet despite all forms of oppression, the peoples’ will for freedom has not been defeated.

 

The call made by Mr. Abdullah Öcalan on February 27, 2025 marked a historic threshold for a democratic resolution and shared life. This call presented a perspective of a democratic society in which peoples can live freely with their own language, identity, and status. With the cessation of conflicts during the recent period, society has been able to breathe again, mothers’ tears have subsided, and people have once more seen how valuable peace truly is.

 

Today, the demand of the peoples is clear: Democratic steps must be taken immediately for an honorable and lasting peace. Anti-democratic laws, particularly the Anti-Terror Law (TMK), must be amended; the appointment of trustees must end; political prisoners must be released; and all restrictions on the Kurdish people’s language and culture must be completely abolished.

 

For peace to become embedded in society and for a democratic resolution to develop, Mr. Abdullah Öcalan’s working and communication conditions must be secured by law, and the way must be opened for his physical freedom. At a time when the Middle East is surrounded by wars and crises, peace is now a necessity that can no longer be postponed. A democratic resolution is the shared future not only of the Kurdish people but of all peoples living in Turkey.

 

For this reason, as the people of Amed, we will gather at Ofis İstasyon Square at 17:00 on June 28, 2026, under the slogan ‘We are marching toward freedom with a free leader.’ We call on all our people, youth, women, workers, and democratic forces to join this major gathering.

 

Now is the time to raise our voices! Now is the time to strengthen peace! Now is the time to march toward freedom.”