Kobanê organisation of Rojava's Movement for a Democratic Society (TEV-DEM) has organised a rally following a three-day march with the motto “Freedom for Leader Apo” in protest at the February 15 1999's international conspiracy against Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan at its 18th anniversary.

Thousands from Kobanê and surrounding villages joined the rally as well as TEV-DEM Executive Council Member Ferhad Dêrik, TEV-DEM Kobanê Assembly Co-Chair Eyşê Efendî and President of Kobanê Assemblies Rêber Xalid Berkel.

Speaking here, TEV-DEM Executive Council Member Ferhad Dêrik said: “During this march, thousands from Kobanê have proven that 'There can be no life without the leader'. With this cry, Kobanê made its voice heard by the world. The people resisted everywhere. What made Kobanê triumph is the ideas of Leader Apo. To the Kurdish people, Öcalan is not only their leader, he is the leader of the Middle Eastern peoples as well.”

Speaking after, Kobanê Youth and Sport Council President Almaz Romî stated that: “We commemorate the martyrs of freedom with respect and gratitude. What has carried us up to this point is the enlightening ideas of the Leader, and the self-sacrificial martyrs of freedom. It is now our turn to make self-sacrifice. We, too, are ready to make every sacrifice necessary in order to make the dreams of the martyrs real. All the youth are self-sacrificial fighters of Leader Apo. As women, we promised to walk in the light of Leader Apo and to be his freedom soldiers. We reiterate this promise of ours here today.”