The Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan Initiative launched the vigil on 25 June 2012 with the aim of ensuring the physical freedom of Kurdish people's leader Abdullah Öcalan and lifting the isolation imposed on him.

The vigil in Strasbourg is carried out at the common point where European institutions meet, and continues every week.

Strasbourg DKTM members took over the vigil in its 518th week.

The group includes Ali Dönmez, İsmail Gümüş and Vedat Aydın.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Ali Dönmez said: "The culture of resistance of the Kurdish Freedom Movement and the paradigm of Leader Apo [Abdullah Öcalan] lie behind this long-standing and determined action."

Ali Dönmez added: "We are continuing the vigil with this awareness and belief. We will continue the struggle to ensure our Leader's freedom until the end."

Ali Dönmez called on the Kurdish people to support the resistance carried out by the guerrillas and to increase actions.