Kurdish people's leader Abdullah Öcalan has been in prison in Imrali for 25 years. There has been no news from him for nearly 3 years. Simultaneous statements were made in 74 cities around the world on 10 October, with the aim of breaking this isolation and ensuring the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan, who has been completely deprived of his right to see his family and lawyers and is subjected to a state of absolute non-communication. The international campaign is called "Freedom for Öcalan, solution to the Kurdish question" and continues in many countries around the world with various actions.

Igor Zulaika, International Relations Spokesperson of Euskal Herria Bildu, the largest coalition party of the Basque Country, talked to ANF about the isolation conditions of Abdullah Öcalan and the "Freedom for Öcalan, political solution to the Kurdish question" campaign at the conference organized in Bilbao to highlight the situation of the Kurdish people’s leader.

'Isolation is worrying'

Stating that the isolation conditions in İmralı prison were worrying and unacceptable for them, Zulaika demanded freedom for Abdullah Öcalan, whom he described as the historical leader of the Kurdish people. Zulaika said: “Abdullah Öcalan's freedom is important for us Basques, because Öcalan is the leader of the Kurdish people. The conditions Öcalan is in are not acceptable."

'Öcalan is in a position to solve the Kurdish question'

Pointing out the role of Öcalan in the political solution of the Kurdish question, Zulaika said: “Öcalan's freedom is especially important for the political solution of the Kurdish question and the establishment of peace talks between Turkey and the Kurds. As the historical leader of the Kurdish people, Abdullah Öcalan is in a position to solve the Kurdish question. A democratic solution is needed to end the war. And Abdullah Öcalan is in a position to build this solution.”

'Isolation must end, Öcalan must be free'

Calling on the Turkish state to end the isolation conditions of Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan and ensure his freedom, Zulaika said: "EH Bildu think it is important to support the "Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan, political solution to the Kurdish question" campaign, which started on 10 October. Such a campaign also exists in the Basque Country to free Basque political prisoners. Being involved in the Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan campaign is also a way for us to express solidarity with the Kurdish people. This campaign allows us to maintain hope that a better world is possible for everyone, Basques and Kurds alike."