Al-Hol women demand “Right to Hope” for Leader Ocalan

At the invitation of Kongra Star, dozens of women from al-Hol in the Jazira Canton gathered today in front of the city council to participate in a demonstration demanding the “Right to Hope” for Leader Abdullah Ocalan and his physical freedom.

Participants held images of Leader Ocalan and banners calling for freedom and peace, chanting slogans affirming their commitment to his philosophy, which advocates equality and coexistence.

The statement was read by Kongra Star member Nour Khalil on behalf of Arab women in the southern region in general and the women of al-Hol in particular. It said: “We demand the physical freedom of Leader Abdullah Ocalan, because free thought cannot be imprisoned, and the cause of hope and peace represents historical achievements for the peoples of North and East Syria. The Right to Hope is a legal and international right that all prisoners should enjoy without exception.”

Nour Khalil pointed out that the Turkish state denies Leader Ocalan this right despite his more than 25 years in prison. She noted that the European Court of Human Rights and several international human rights organizations have confirmed the necessity of applying the “Right to Hope” to those who have exceeded such detention periods, which should entail their release. Yet, Turkish authorities continue to refuse compliance, in clear violation of international human rights conventions and agreements.

She also stressed that “women in North and East Syria consider Leader Ocalan’s freedom both a humanitarian and political issue because he symbolizes peace, democracy, and women’s rights in the region. His continued isolation directly targets the values of justice and equality for which he has struggled.”

At the end of the statement, Nour Khalil called on international human rights organizations and institutions to pressure Turkey to fulfill its legal obligations and grant Leader Ocalan physical freedom, emphasizing that “the Right to Hope” requires women around the world to take action, organize activities and events, and continue rights-based and media pressure until the leader achieves full physical freedom.”

The statement concluded with chants demanding the Leader’s freedom.

A-H 

ANHA