AMED – Kurdish youth marched in Amed (Diyarbakır) demanding the physical freedom of Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan, vowing to continue their struggle until his release. “We will live with Leader Apo and fight without interruption until he is physically free,” the demonstrators declared.
The Democratic Patriotic Youth Platform organized a march yesterday under the slogan “Free Life with the Leader of Freedom.” Participants from across Kurdistan and Turkey gathered at Alipınar Bridge in the Rêzan (Bağlar) district and marched to the Ben û Sen Tower in Sûr.
Carrying banners reading “Patriotic youth move toward the sun,” “With the power of Leader, women build hope,” and “The martyrs’ dream will come true — the free Leader will rise in Sûr,” the crowd chanted slogans such as “Bijî Serok Apo (Long live Leader Apo)”, “The youth are Apo’s devotees,” and “Peace’s messenger is in İmralı.”
During the march, participants sang songs written for Abdullah Öcalan, illuminated the street with phone lights, and lit fireworks. When the crowd reached Urfa Gate, police forces blocked their way. Police used tear gas and plastic bullets, while youth resisted and later issued a statement at the scene.
‘HE GAVE BREATH TO MILLIONS’
Speaking on behalf of the Platform, Medya Aslan said the march represented not only the voice of the youth but also the enduring struggle of Abdullah Öcalan. “Today, the echo in the hearts of the people of Amed is the voice of Leader Apo himself, a voice that has devoted a lifetime to the struggle for the freedom of peoples,” she said.
She emphasized the importance of the Peace and Democratic Society Process, recalling Öcalan’s historic call for dialogue: “Through his call, Leader Apo created a possibility of freedom for all peoples. Despite 27 years of isolation on Imrali Island, he gave breath to millions. While the Freedom Movement took serious steps in line with his vision, the Turkish state failed to respond meaningfully.”
She stressed: “Even the appointed commission has not met with him yet. This attitude undermines public trust in the process.”
Medya Aslan reacted the obstruction of Kurdish speech during commission meetings and said: “If our language is denied in such a way, how can we be brothers? How can a commission that refuses Kurdish defend Kurdish rights or legislate for democratic freedom? The most crucial point is that Leader Apo remains under severe isolation. Until he is free, there can be no lasting peace in the Middle East. The voice rising from Imrali shows us the path toward dialogue and coexistence.”
‘FREEDOM OF ÖCALAN IS THE KEY TO PEACE’
Medya Aslan addressed recent arrests of youth activists in Wan and Istanbul, stating that the movement would not bow to repression: “We are not on the side of denial and oppression, but of free identity and democratic life. This march is not merely an action, it is an expression of will. With this will, we will advance the democratic process led by Leader Apo and secure his physical freedom. His freedom is the key to peace and solution. He is not only one man but the conscience and wisdom of the people.”
‘WE WILL REALIZE THE DREAM OF YEARS’
Medya Aslan concluded: “Seeing Leader Apo at the Amed walls has been a dream for years. He may not be here physically, but his ideas are alive among us. We will live with him and fight without interruption until he is free. Long live Leader Apo, long live İmralı resistance.”
The gathering ended with applause, ululations, and dances as youth continued their vigil late into the night.