The indefinite sit-in in Strasbourg, France held with the slogan “CPT to Imralı” supported by dozens of institutions continues with resolve on its 47th day.

The sit-in by Kurds from Germany, France, the Netherlands and Switzerland demands the Committee for the Prevention of Torture inspect the current situation of Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan in situ at soon as possible.

The sit-in was launched on October 23 by 63 institutions representing the peoples and faiths of Kurdistan, Turkey and the Middle East, and has received support from numerous European Parliament (EP) and Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) member law makers to date. The demonstration demands urgent action regarding the growing concerns about Öcalan’s health and safety.

The participants of the sit-in hold daily meetings on the tasks of the day and the state of the demonstration in the tent where the Vigil for Öcalan continues uninterrupted since June 25, 2012.

CPT officials maintain their silence on the persistent call of the demonstrators, arguing that they understand the Kurdish people’s demand but cannot do anything.

Switzerland World Women’s March Group member Marranne Ebel has also visited the Kurdish demonstrators and strongly criticized the silence of Europe in this regard.

Marranne Ebel voiced solidarity with the action of the Kurds and said the practices against Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan were unacceptable. Ebel stated that: “I am shocked by what has been going on. I condemn the isolation on Öcalan and protest the conditions surrounding all political prisoners. Europe should decidedly change its approach towards Turkey. Turkey uses refugees and Europe bows to it.”

Activist Marranne Ebel said she got to know the resistance of Kurdish women in the scope of World Women’s March and added; “Kurdish women are giving a fight against the enemies of humanity in Rojava. We should be in solidarity with these women. Rojava gives hope to world’s women who therefore should stand with the resistance there.”