26 people launched a 26-day “Long March” in France on 21 January as part of the international campaign launched in October 2023, demanding “Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan and a political solution to the Kurdish question”. The march draws public attention to Öcalan’s 26 years of captivity in the İmralı Island Prison in Turkey.

The activists will conclude the action with a rally in Strasbourg on February 15, the anniversary of the international conspiracy that resulted in the capture of the Kurdish leader in Kenya and his handover to Turkey in 1999.

On the 14th and 15th days of the long march, Zübeyde Zümrüt, Co-Chair of the KCDK-E (Democratic Kurdish Communities Congress in Europe), also joined the march.

The activists presented a dossier to Villiers Le Bel Municipality and Arnouville Municipality. The dossier included information about the international campaign for Öcalan’s freedom, the Long March and the ongoing occupation attacks against Rojava.

Presenting the files to the municipalities, Zübeyde Zümrüt, Co-Chair of KCDK-E, said the following: “I would like to thank our people who have participated in the 26-day Long March, which a very sacred and important action. It is also very valuable as we are going through historic days. Leader Öcalan is expected to make a historic statement. The whole world has seen the fact that Leader Öcalan holds the key to solving the crisis and chaos in the Middle East. His philosophy and paradigm came to life in Rojava and set an example to the whole world. The struggle of the guerrillas, our people and Leader Öcalan and the lack of solution in the Middle East forced the Turkish state to talk with Öcalan, who has once again made historic observations and suggestions during his recent meeting in İmralı. He revealed the fact that no problem in the Middle East can be resolved without coming up with a solution to the Kurdish question. The policies pursued by the dominant system for years are based on war and anti-democratic approaches, and have only deepened the problem, let alone solving it. If the international powers want social peace to be achieved and the problems to be resolved, they should take Leader Öcalan’s perspective for a solution as a basis.

We are going through such a historic process. As Kurds living in Europe, we must be aware of our responsibility and do what we have to do. Just as our eyes are on Rojava, Rojava's eyes are on us. Our struggle is a morale booster for the comrades and our people resisting there. International powers are also following us. The strength of our actions and events causes them to approach the Kurdish issue seriously. Therefore, everyone should be aware of their responsibility. On this basis, I reiterate again; on February 15th, a historic call will be made by Leader Öcalan and the action in Strasbourg will be a declaration of will. Let's meet in Strasbourg on February 15th.”