The Freedom for Öcalan Vigil in Strasbourg, has been launched and carried out by the Freedom for Öcalan Initiative on 25 June 2012. This is week number 456 and activists continue the action with determination. This week, a group of 3 people from Mantes la Jolie, France, took over the Vigil.

The Vigil is carried out where European institutions are located between 8.30 am and 5 pm, 7 days a week.

This week’s group is composed by Yusuf Karataş, Dino Madi and Seyfettin Bingöl.

Speaking on behalf of group, Yusuf Karatas recalled that the Kurdish people’s leader “was taken hostage by Turkey together with other international powers that are partners in crime in the international conspiracy that led to his arrest. Without Öcalan there would be no Kurds.”

Karatas added that the Kurds are determined to carry out this Vigil until their leader is free.

“The absolute isolation imposed on our Leader is inhumane. Turkey is committing crimes against humanity."

Karataş added: “We are concerned about the health of our Leader. The Turkish state must understand that the Leadership is the red line of the Kurds. The CPT should be engaged. European institutions must not be a partner in this crime against humanity committed by Turkey. Our Leader should be able to see his lawyers and family as soon as possible."

Karataş saluted the action of political prisoners on hunger strike against the isolation and said that the struggle of the Kurds will continue until the isolation is broken and Abdullah Öcalan is liberated.