The people of Shengal are preparing a march on 14 February to demand freedom for Abdullah Öcalan and to condemn the international conspiracy that led to his abduction 26 years ago.
The global campaign "Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan, Political Solution to the Kurdish Question" has been ongoing for nearly two years. The people of Shengal have joined the initiative under the slogan "Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan, Autonomy for Shengal." In the past two years, popular movements and pro-freedom groups have emphasized that Abdullah Öcalan’s proposed solution is the most effective way to resolve the crises in the region.
As the people's struggle takes its first steps toward securing the physical freedom of Abdullah Öcalan, this demand has gained increasing momentum in Shengal. The Yazidi community has expressed its deep commitment to the struggle to achieve the freedom of the Kurdish people's leader. The Shengal Autonomous Administration and TAJÊ (the women's movement) have decided to organize a march to condemn the conspiracy that, on 15 February 1999, led to the abduction of Abdullah Öcalan in Kenya, and to demand his freedom.
Dexîl Ibrahim, co-deputy chair of the Shengal Autonomous Administration, said that the march will take place on 14 February in the city center of Shengal. This year’s goal - he said - is ensuring participation to powerfully demand the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan.
Ibrahim invited all political entities, tribal leaders, and communities in Shengal to join the march, and emphasized that Abdullah Öcalan has fought for all peoples and called on Yazidis, Shiites, Sunnis, and Kurds along with everyone else to take part in the historic march. He also stressed the importance of people of all generations, young and old alike, to attend the march to fulfill their responsibility in this struggle.
Preparations for the march are already underway in Shengal. Leaflets are being distributed, and seminars and meetings are being held in various regions.
