The Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan Initiative launched a vigil on 25 June 2012 in Strasbourg, to ensure the physical freedom of Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan and to break the isolation imposed on him. The vigil has entered its 516th week.

Members of the Democratic Kurdish Community Center (DKTM) in Duisburg have taken over the vigil this week. The group includes Haydar Fergil, Özgür Varto, İsmail Minkara and Şerif Ersoy.

Making a statement on behalf of the group, Haydar Fergil said that they took over the vigil on the 516th week with the slogan "Support the leadership is to protect Kurdistan".

Pointing to the Turkish state's partnership with the KDP, and the attacks against Medya Defense Areas, and the Iraqi state's invasion attacks against Shengal, Fergil stated that the Kurdish people are aware of this critical process and are taking action everywhere.

He said that the Kurdish people will remain on the streets until they gain their freedom.

"The international conspiracy continues"

Fergil also said that “the invasion attacks, the use of chemical weapons against the guerrillas and the KDP collaboration are the continuation of the international conspiracy. The Kurdish people will not leave their children and the guerrillas alone. Even if Europe plays the three monkeys, we will speak up against this hypocritical policy with our democratic action."