The first day of the “International Conference for Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan and a Political Solution to the Kurdish Question” in Rome was attended by over 300 delegates from different countries. The first session ended on Friday evening at the Ararat Cultural Center with a showcase of Kurdish cuisine and a performance of Italian folk music.

Following the opening speeches, a panel titled “Öcalan’s Call and Peace” was held, moderated by Dr. Gisela Penteker from IPPNW-Germany and Father Aris from MIGRANTE-Philippines.

TJK-E: Abdullah Öcalan’s ideas must be implemented

Zîlan Diyar from the Kurdish Women’s Movement in Europe (TJK-E), said that the campaign has been ongoing for two years, with four months of preparation leading up to the conference. She emphasized that this initiative has actually been in motion since Öcalan’s imprisonment, fueled by years of struggle, and vowed that the efforts would continue without pause.

She stated: “The bond between Leader Apo [Abdullah Öcalan] and the people, women, and youth cannot be broken. That’s why people from different circles have gathered here. Many actions and events have taken place during this campaign. I also respectfully salute those who have lost their lives in this struggle.”

Diyar stressed the importance of practically implementing Öcalan’s ideas and breaking the polarization created by the state. She emphasized persistence in action and events launched since 2023 as crucial for achieving freedom.

Fratoianni: Rojava is a value for world democracy

Nicola Fratoianni, General Secretary of Sinistra Italiana and a Member of Parliament, recalled the events of the international conspiracy against Öcalan. He stated their long-standing support for the campaign and efforts to raise the Kurdish issue in the Italian Parliament.

Referring to Erdoğan’s threats during Sweden’s NATO accession process, he stressed the need for a strong peace movement against war. He described Rojava’s Autonomous Administration as a significant value that aligns with his political stance, saying: “We must protect Rojava. It’s a value for world democracy. This value is inspired by Öcalan. That’s why his call and freedom are crucial. I hope Turkey responds to this call and takes steps toward building democracy. International powers have a role to play in this emerging process.”

Fernandes: Öcalan’s ideas are important for the whole world

Emmanuel Fernandes from France’s La France Insoumise movement emphasized that Öcalan’s ideas are significant not just for Kurds or Kurdistan, but for the whole world. He highlighted the importance of defending these ideas against authoritarian regimes moving away from democracy.

He added: “A new coalition has achieved success in France. As leftists, socialists, and human rights defenders, we must unite against autocratic regimes. That’s why I demand Abdullah Öcalan’s freedom. I’m a member of the Council of Europe and have witnessed the Kurdish people’s persistent struggle in Strasbourg for over 15 years. Their persistence inspires and motivates me.”

Fernandes also criticized the inhumane conditions on İmralı Island and the silence of relevant institutions.

Diana Urrea: we must keep fighting for Öcalan to play an active role

EH Bildu Basque MP Diana Urrea Herrera began her speech with “Freedom for Öcalan.” She emphasized the importance of fostering a global sense of brotherhood and solidarity with Kurds.

“This is a crucial conference,” she said, “and the campaign for Öcalan’s freedom is equally important. While many are calling for war, Öcalan called for peace and initiated a peace process, advocating for democracy and building a democratic society. Although some restrictions have been lifted, the conditions for him to play an active role have not yet been created. We must keep fighting and push international powers to take initiative.”

Acerbo: Öcalan showed how to resist in the fascists’ prison

Maurizio Acerbo from the European Left recalled the time Öcalan spent in Rome. He emphasized that the struggle for Öcalan’s freedom and a solution to the Kurdish issue concerns all peoples of the world.

“Öcalan showed how to resist in the prisons of fascists. He taught all political prisoners how to resist and those outside how to build a political path. We stand with him and embrace his demands. Like Nelson Mandela, his freedom must be achieved. The time has come—Öcalan must be free.”

Arnott: conditions in Imrali have not changed

Mike Arnott from the Dundee Trade Union Council in Scotland noted that no real change has occurred in Turkey’s process or Öcalan’s condition. He condemned the attack on the Kurdish Democratic Community Centre in London and emphasized the need to keep the İmralı isolation issue on the agenda.

He said: “Öcalan’s February 27 call was very important,” and called for expanded struggle through ongoing actions.

Bayindir: Öcalan’s paradigm is democracy

Keskin Bayındır, co-chair of the Democratic Regions Party (DBP), emphasized that Leader Apo seeks to solve problems through democracy. He recalled past peace initiatives and criticized the Turkish state for undermining them.

“This campaign has brought Öcalan back into public discourse in Northern Kurdistan,” he said. He stressed that the Turkish state must take steps for a solution to the Kurdish issue and that Öcalan’s freedom is essential for the success of the process.

“Öcalan’s call offers an alternative path. While global politics are shaped by wars and occupations, Öcalan shows another way is possible. That’s why his call has found resonance internationally.”

Support from Bologna, COBAS, CTA, and more

Bologna deputy mayor Emily Clancy spoke about the city’s warm relations with the Kurdish movement and acknowledged support for Öcalan’s ideas from feminists, ecologists, and socialists.

“We granted Abdullah Öcalan honorary citizenship. We hope he will soon be free,” she said.

COBAS Union spokesperson Piero Bernocchi recalled the Kurdish people’s century-long struggle for basic rights.

Julian Aguirre from Argentina’s CTA union described protests in Argentina supporting Öcalan’s freedom and emphasized the urgency of his release.