The campaign for the physical freedom of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan continues to receive support from many regions, particularly southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq). Hundreds of politicians, intellectuals, journalists, academics and members of political parties have signed the petition so far.

Most recently, 415 people in South Kurdistan, including lecturers, writers, intellectuals, artists, parliamentarians, journalists and activists, issued a joint statement announcing their support for the campaign.

'ÖCALAN'S CASE IS PEOPLE'S CAUSE'

“Mr. Abdullah Öcalan, a wise freedom fighter, has been kept in isolation in Imrali Prison for 24 years after his capture in an international conspiracy. The Kurdish leader fights for the rights and freedoms of his people and all the peoples of the Middle East and leads the freedom movement. Moreover, he has written dozens of books concerning political and social issues,” the joint statement said.

“Mr. Öcalan was handed over to the Turkish state following a conspiracy organized by many states since he was advocating free thought and life at variance with occupation policies.

As Kurdish intellectuals have repeatedly stated, Mr. Öcalan's case is not a personal case, but the legitimate cause of the Kurdish people. If the Kurdish issue is not resolved through negotiation and democracy, there will be no peace and stability in Turkey, Kurdistan and anywhere in the Middle East. Therefore, the physical freedom of Mr. Öcalan is the key to resolving the Kurdish issue and maintaining peace, stability and democratic coexistence of the peoples in the region. The states involved in the international conspiracy against Mr. Öcalan and the Turkish state are responsible not only for his life and health, but also for his physical freedom. On this basis, we demand his physical freedom as soon as possible.”