The Freedom for Öcalan Vigil held in front of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg has reached week 402. Activists said; "Our aim is to achieve the freedom of our leader."

Last week's group made up of women from Rojava was replaced this week by a mixed group of activists from France and Germany.

The new group that took over the Vigil this week is composed by Zeydin Argin, Memo Axmed, Ronak Fedevi and Erhan Aktay.

Happy for the meeting in Imrali but concern remains

In the statement made on behalf of the group, activists emphasized that the news that the Kurdish people's leader was finally allowed to meet with his family was welcomed. "It is a good news - said activists - to know that our leader was able to meet his family after so many months. Our goal remains his liberation. Our concerns about the life of our leader continue. The Kurdish people are struggling with the hope of the day he will be liberated".

Call on European states and institutions

The statement, which emphasized that the persecution against the Kurdish people continues in the most severe form, called on European states and institutions to change their policies.

"Here is our call to all institutions and states: the Kurdish people are facing a persecution. It is time you say 'stop' to this. You can no longer ignore the Kurds. You can no longer continue with your old policies."

The activists called on Europe not to bow to the blackmail of the Turkish state and not to be a partner to the massacres of the Kurdish people in Northern Kurdistan and Rojava.

Launched on 25 June 2012 in front of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, the Freedom for Öcalan Vigil will continue until Öcalan is liberated.

The action has been going on for almost 8 years, and continues with new groups of activists taking it over every week.