Kurds living in Swedish capital Stockholm have staged a demonstration at the Mynttorget Square in front of the Parliament building Saturday afternoon.

The demonstration was organised as part of the campaign launched by the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) on September 12 under the motto “Stop Isolation, Fascism, Occupation – Time for Freedom”.

Demonstrators set up a tent where they displayed images of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan and banners demanding his freedom.

The statement highlighting the demands of Kurdish organisations and their friends was read by Ayşe Göktepe from Amara Women’s Council who recalled the aggravated isolation conditions that the Kurdish leader has been subject to on Imralı Island since 1999 while he proposed an alternative life and society that has inspired millions of people all around the world today.

Reminding of the fact that it was Öcalan himself who has always advocated a peace process and indeed initiated peace talks with the Turkish state in the past, the statement said: “If the Turkish state wanted peace, nothing could ever be more helpful than the release of Öcalan.”

“ÖCALAN MUST BE FREED FOR PEACE TO BE ACHIEVED”

Remarking that the freedom of Öcalan is the demand of millions of Kurds, the statement continued: “It is an essential step to release Öcalan and other political prisoners in order for the achievement of peace. Öcalan is recognised as the key person for an actual peace process. He has brought a peaceful solution to the agenda of the Kurdish people.”

Stressing that the aggravation of the isolation on Öcalan led to conflicts become tougher, demonstrators demanded the immediate release of the Kurdish leader.

Speaking to ANF, Kani Miran, one of the organisers of the demonstration, announced their participation in the worldwide campaign for freedom against isolation, occupation and fascism.

Describing the freedom of Öcalan as the freedom of the Kurds and peoples of the Middle East, Miran said the following: “We salute all the democratic and patriotic circles and our people who have participated in this campaign which must ensure the freedom of Öcalan and Kurdistan. The Kurdish people have reclaimed this campaign in the mountains, cities and rurals and we will continue with this struggle until Kurdish People’s Leader is freed.”