The Free Women’s Movement (TJA) launched its “Walking to Freedom with Hope” march from Diyarbakır (Amed) to Ankara, which on its fifth day reached Mersin.

Gathering at Peace Park, the women marched behind a banner reading “Walking to Freedom with Hope,” chanting slogans such as “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” (Woman, Life, Freedom), “The right to hope cannot be postponed,” and “No life without the Leader.” The marchers were welcomed by thousands of people and continued to the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) district office in Akdeniz, where they danced halay (a traditional Kurdish circle dance) and hung Abdullah Öcalan’s posters and banners on the building.

As part of the program, a message from Abdullah Öcalan to the marchers was read aloud, followed by messages from the Democratic Alevi Federation (FEDA) and imprisoned politicians Figen Yüksekdağ and Semra Güzel.

Figen Yüksekdağ: Öcalan’s freedom stands at the heart of our struggle

Figen Yüksekdağ sent the following message: “To the women’s march… Dear women, those who have set out on the path of freedom, I greet you with my most heartfelt feelings of solidarity and comradeship. I salute the collective labor and leadership of women in the struggle to win the right to peace and a democratic society. We, as women politicians and political prisoners, may not be physically among you, but we share the same passion for freedom and look toward the same horizon of a free life that no confinement can erase. I believe your march will become a source of inspiration and determination for the bright future of all the peoples of Turkey, Kurdistan, and the region. Undoubtedly, peace will be achieved and made permanent when the will for peace meets democracy and freedom. As in the past, today as well, the road to ensuring that this historic opportunity before our peoples is not wasted passes through Imrali. Mr. Öcalan, who has opened a vital space for the existence of democracy and freedom in society, must be able to continue and sustain this decisive role, this is a social and political demand. The lifting of all forms of isolation imposed on Mr. Öcalan, so that he may continue his social and political responsibilities, stands at the very center of our struggle for freedom. By saying ‘Freedom for Öcalan means freedom for all political prisoners, peoples, women, youth, believers, and workers,’ we can build peace and democracy together. Your journey, embraced with this profound meaning, strengthens the hope and determination for freedom. May your path always be open. With love, respect, and comradeship, I salute you all.”

Neslihan Şedal: The path for democratic politics must be urgently opened

Neslihan Şedal, Co-Mayor of Van (Wan) Metropolitan Municipality, whose post was usurped by the trustee administration, said in her speech that the march will continue until Abdullah Öcalan’s physical freedom is achieved and added: “Because the pioneer of this path is Mr. Öcalan.”

Şedal stated that the Kurdish people, who have long been exiled through policies of assimilation and denial, continue to protect their language and culture, and said:“Today, the people of Mersin demand peace and freedom. We are grateful for your stance. We began our march in the heart of Kurdistan and are now heading to the capital of Turkey. We have certain demands. As you know, Mr. Öcalan recently made a call. We stand behind this call and say that the path for democratic politics must be urgently opened.”

Şedal added that there are essential steps that must be taken within the current process and emphasized that Abdullah Öcalan’s physical freedom is the first and foremost step. She also said, “We will continue our resistance until we achieve this result and until our demands voiced at the start of this march are accepted. Mr. Öcalan placed before us the ideology of women’s liberation and called on us to organize ourselves. We are determined to fulfill this.”

Eylem Sarıca: The commission must meet with Öcalan immediately

Eylem Sarıca, an activist with the TJA, stated that the first step toward peace is the lifting of isolation, emphasizing that their demands are clear, they call for Abdullah Öcalan’s physical freedom. She said that the parliamentary commission carries a great responsibility and that they expect it to meet with Öcalan without delay. Sarıca said, “The path to a democratic solution passes through Imrali. Demanding Öcalan’s physical freedom does not mean the liberation of just one person; it means the liberation of an entire philosophy and the freedom of women.” After spending the night in Mersin, the women are expected to continue their march toward Ankara tomorrow.