The "Freedom for Öcalan Vigil" action, which began on June 25, 2012, in Strasbourg under the leadership of the "Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan Initiative," continues the Kurdish people's leader's physical freedom.

The vigil, which has reached its 681st week, takes place in an area where institutions such as the Council of Europe (CoE), the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), and the European Parliament are located. This week, the vigil was taken over by Aziz Aslan, Hasan İnce, and Hatip Bilen from the Geneva Democratic Kurdish Community Center.

A statement on behalf of the group that took over the vigil read as follows: “The purpose of the vigil is to protest the international conspiracy against Önder Apo in 1999 and to ensure his physical freedom. We are in favor of a democratic, peaceful, and moral solution to the Kurdish issue. For this, we call on the global public, the Council of Europe, human rights organizations, the CPT, and the UN. Following the perspective of February 27, the PKK has adopted the understanding of ending armed struggle and engaging in political struggle. Subsequently, the PKK convened its congress and decided to dissolve. However, the Turkish state has not taken any steps against these moves. We will continue our vigil until President Öcalan regains his physical freedom and the Kurdish issue is solved in a dignified and peaceful manner. As Kurds, we salute all our friends.”