The “Call for a Democratic Society and Peace” issued by Abdullah Öcalan on February 27 continues to resonate. His message has sparked significant discussion not only in Kurdistan and Turkey but across the international arena. At a time when states are locked in a race for war across the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Libya, and Ukraine, Mr. Öcalan’s insistence on peace has stirred enthusiasm among leftist, socialist, ecological, and women’s organizations, as well as progressive movements more broadly.

The “International Conference for the Freedom of Abdullah Öcalan and a Solution to the Kurdish Question,” held in the Italian capital Rome on February 11–12, reflected this growing global momentum.

Among the participants was Professor Gianni Piazza from the University of Catania, one of the oldest universities in Italy, founded in 1432 on the island of Sicily. Professor Piazza, who is also part of the Kurdish People's Solidarity Committee in Sicily, spoke to ANF following the conference.

Support for Öcalan must grow much stronger

Professor Piazza referred to Mr. Öcalan’s February 27 call, stating that it represents a concrete step toward realizing the idea of democratic confederalism. He underlined that this is not only relevant to Rojava, but to all regions striving for a democratic and just society as well.

He stated that they feel responsible for spreading and putting the call into practice and said, “As you know, there is already strong support within civil society and among leftist-socialist organizations for Mr. Öcalan’s freedom and for the idea of democratic confederalism. But this support must become much more widespread than it is today.”

"I teach my students about the Rojava Revolution" 

Professor Piazza said: “Our task is to do more than what we are doing now. For example, I am a university professor, and in my political sociology classes, I have a special module on ‘Democratic Confederalism’ and the ‘Rojava Revolution’. Through these lessons, my students learn what is happening in Kurdistan. But in general, young people do not know much about this issue. That is why introducing these ideas through my lectures is so important. Everyone should do something to spread these ideas from wherever they are.”

We must fight harder for Öcalan’s freedom

Professor Piazza noted that Mr. Öcalan’s freedom will not come easily and stressed the need for greater struggle. He said that despite the pressure created by the international campaign, and despite the pressure created by the international campaign and the resistance of the people in Kurdistan, Europe, and many other parts of the world, Mr. Öcalan’s physical freedom has not yet been achieved. He added: “But this is our hope, that is very clear. That is why we must do everything we can to put pressure on our governments, especially on the Turkish government. He added that the political climate in Turkey must change.

Piazza also addressed the attempted imprisonment of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu, pointing out that the democratic environment in Turkey is uncertain and tense. He underlined that the campaign for Mr. Öcalan’s freedom could contribute to a transformation in the political atmosphere. He expressed his hope for Mr. Öcalan’s release.