PKK Leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been held in isolation on Imralı Island for 25 years, turned 75 years old. A march was held in the Amara District of Riha's Xelfeti (Halfeti) district, where Ocalan was born. The march, with the motto "To Amara for Freedom", was organized by the Democratic Society Congress (DTK), the Free Women's Movement (Tevgera Jinên Azad-TJA), the Assistance and Solidarity Association with Families Who Lost Their Relatives in the Cradle of Civilizations (MEBYA-DER), MED Federation of Detainee and Convict Families Legal and Solidarity Associations (MED TUHAD-FED), DBP and People's Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party).

 

Ocalan has not been heard from since he has not been allowed to meet with his family and lawyers for more than 3 years. Hundreds of people who came to the city from many parts of Kurdistan and Turkey for the march to be held on Ocalan's birthday, came together in the rural Aligor District of Pirsûs (Suruç). DBP Co-Chair Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar, MED TUHAD-FED Co-Chair Kerem Canpolat, HDK Co-Speaker Cengiz Çiçek, Asrın Law Firm lawyers as well as many representatives of non-governmental organizations attended the celebrations. Those who came together for the celebration danced halay accompanied by Kurdish songs for a while.

 

'THE PEOPLE SUPPORT THEIR LEADER'

 

Speaking at the celebrations, DEM Party Deputy Omer Ocalan said: "If there is a nation, of course it has a leader. Our leader is Mr. Ocalan. The Kurds have been supporting their leader for 40 years. For this reason, since 2004, everyone has turned their attention to April 4th to Amara. Those who said 'We finished the Kurds' saw the people in front of them. Mr. Ocalan is the one leading the people. We are celebrating the adoption, we have a long way to go. Mr. Ocalan is 75 years old and it is time for his physical freedom. Mothers long for an honorable peace. Mothers are sacrificing their lives and their children in this cause. Dozens of young people lost their lives and dozens are in prison."

 

Stating that the hunger strike actions of political prisoners in prisons have evolved to a new stage today, Ocalan continued his words as follows: "Today, a new process begins for hunger strikes. We need to support the actions of the prisoners and be their voice. Our burden is heavy, but we will share this burden. Mr. Ocalan in particular. We will be the voice of all prisoners. Our struggle will continue until there is a democratic solution. Happy birthday to Mr. Ocalan once again."

 

'KURDS HAVE TAUGHT YOU A LESSON'

 

DBP Co-Chair Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar touched upon the problems experienced in the country. Uçar said: "The country is in a very serious crisis. Democracy, law and justice are underfoot in this country. The people gave a great response in the elections. The Kurds taught you a lesson. In Kurdistan the government itself, which was unable to exist, wanted to usurp the gains of the Kurds with fake voters. The people in Van responded. All our democratic rights were attacked by the government. Our winning candidates were dragged on the ground and detained. Why? Out of fear. They also know our power."

 

Reminding President and AKP Chair Tayyip Erdoğan's words "The solution process is in the deep freeze", Ucar continued: "Leader of the Kurds Mr. Abdullah Ocalan gave many warnings when the negotiation process started. He said, ‘A country without blood and tears is possible’. The government closed its eyes. 'This country is not doomed to poverty,' he said. The goverment said, 'It does not need outsiders.' They closed their eyes. Erdogan said, 'We put the solution process in the deep freeze.' The Kurds pulled the plug on the deep freezer. Happy birthday to the Leader of the Kurds Mr. Abdullah Ocalan, who remains alive despite 25 years of isolation."

 

'OUR FACES ARE TURNED TO AMARA'

 

Emphasizing that Imralı Prison must be closed, Uçar said: "Necessary initiatives must be taken so that Mr. Ocalan can play his role. Mr. Ocalan's ideas are being discussed in the world. Kurds are standing in Rojava, in the world. This issue is not unsolvable. Those who insist on this problem are the biggest ones. They got the answer. The Freedom March continues. Today, our face will be facing Amara and the freedom of Mr. Abdullah Ocalan. We will do our best for the democratic solution of the Kurdish issue and the freedom of Mr. Abdullah Ocalan. We did not allow the government to rule the country with the isolation regime, and we will not. Happy birthday to the Leader of the Kurds, happy our struggle."

 

After the statement, citizens moved towards Amara.