Veysi Aktaş, a member of the İmralı Secretariat, addressed the “Freedom Rally” held at İstasyon Square in Amed (Diyarbakır) under the slogan “Toward a Democratic Society with a Free Leadership,” organized to demand the physical freedom of Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan. Aktaş began his speech by commemorating artist Kadir İnanır, who recently passed away.

 

He then said that Abdullah Öcalan represents the honor, awakening and future of the Kurdish people, recalling Öcalan’s view that society cannot be free unless women are free.

 

 

‘A FREE LEADER WOULD DEMOCRATIZE TURKEY’

 

Drawing attention to the continuation of the isolation despite the ongoing Peace and Democratic Society Process, Aktaş said that Abdullah Öcalan is the chief negotiator and the representative of the Kurdish people's will, adding that the state should adopt a respectful approach toward him. “A free Leader would democratize both the Middle East and Turkey. That is why the isolation continues. That is why they fear freedom. Leader Apo’s freedom is the freedom of this people,” he said.

 

Recalling South African leader Nelson Mandela, Aktaş said that no solution could be achieved in Turkey through isolation. He said: “What does history tell us? Isolation does not bring a solution. The remedy is democratic negotiations and a free life."

 

 

‘THIS PEOPLE WILL NOT SURRENDER’

 

Aktaş said that democratic negotiations can only be achieved through unity, respect and freedom, adding that this is precisely what they seek and added: “We want a solution, but we want a democratic solution. We want legislation, but legislation for peace. Abandon the discourse of surrender as a solution. Know this: this people will not surrender. We want peace—an honorable peace—and an equal future. Let everyone know that we will not allow peace to be turned into surrender. We will not allow a democratic solution to be turned into liquidation."

 

 

Following the speeches, a video presentation featuring excerpts from Abdullah Öcalan’s statements on freedom, peace and democracy, delivered on various occasions, was screened.

 

Afterwards, Kadir Çat and Serhedo, who performed in Amed for the first time in 11 years, took the stage. The crowd, which had participated in the rally with great enthusiasm, left the square in the same spirited atmosphere.,