Egyptian intellectuals honor leader Ocalan as symbol of struggle

The Arab Initiative for Ocalan's Freedom in Egypt organized a symposium discussion in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, as part of the global campaign for the physical freedom of leader Abdullah Ocalan, under the title "Ocalan: From Abduction to Intellectual Creativity, A Will That Defies Imprisonment." The event was attended by prominent intellectuals, academics, and legal experts.

The symposium was moderated by Elhamy El-Meligy, General Coordinator of the Arab Initiative for Ocalan's Freedom. Also participating were the journalist and writer Magdy El-Dakak; Dr. Mokhtar Ghobashi, Deputy Head of the Arab Center for Political and Strategic Studies; Professor and Dr. Mohamed Refaat El-Imam, Professor of Modern and Contemporary History and International Relations and member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, and former Dean of the Faculty of Arts at Damanhour University in Egypt; engineer, writer, and Secretary-General of the Egyptian Socialist Party, Ahmed Bahaa Shaaban; and Dr. Raida Al-Dhobhani, an expert in international law.

During the discussion, the focus was on the struggle of leader Abdullah Ocalan and his free thought, which embodies human values. The discussion also highlighted the isolation imposed on leader Ocalan, preventing his lawyers and family from meeting him, which is a violation of international law and norms. The trial he faced was described as a sham, and attention was drawn to the silence of international powers. The discussion also emphasized practical steps towards achieving the physical freedom of leader Abdullah Ocalan.

The symposium concluded with a final statement to the public, which read:

"Final Statement of the symposium, Part of the International Campaign for the Freedom of Thinker Abdullah Ocalan, Under the Title: 'Ocalan: From Abduction to Intellectual Creativity, A Will That Defies Imprisonment.'

In the face of the great challenges confronting oppressed peoples and in embodiment of the highest human values represented by freedom, dignity, and justice, the international symposium on the thinker and struggler Abdullah Ocalan was held in Cairo on Saturday, August 24, 2024.

The symposium was attended by a distinguished group of thinkers, politicians, and legal experts from Egypt and the Arab world, alongside a wide audience of young people and those interested in the Kurdish issue and human rights.

In belief in the value of just and legitimate struggle, we declare at the conclusion of the symposium the following:

1. Honoring Abdullah Ocalan as a model of struggle and resilience.

We express our pride in the thinker Abdullah Ocalan as a symbol of the struggle for the rights of the Kurdish people and the issues of the Middle East. His struggle and resilience in the face of oppression and tyranny reflect the strength of human will and its ability to overcome difficulties.

2. Affirming the need to respect human rights. 

We strongly condemn the severe violations Abdullah Ocalan is subjected to in his imprisonment on Imrali Island, including total isolation and inhumane conditions. We demand an end to his isolation and the allowance for his lawyers and family to meet with him.

We also call on the international community to take responsibility and pressure the Turkish government for his release.

3. Calling for a fair trial.

 We affirm that the trial Abdullah Ocalan underwent was neither fair nor just, and was politically motivated, lacking legal standards. It was marred by gross violations of human and international rights conventions.

 Therefore, we demand a retrial in an independent court according to international human rights standards for his release.

4. International support and solidarity with the Kurdish people.

 We call for enhanced international cooperation to support the Kurdish people in achieving their political, cultural, and social rights. We condemn all forms of repression practiced by the Turkish government against the Kurds.

We also demand that the international community impose sanctions on Turkey if its human rights violations continue.

5. Continuing intellectual and humanitarian struggle.

We urge the continued dissemination of Abdullah Ocalan's intellectual works, which express his vision for a world where democracy, justice, and a liberated environment prevail, and where dialogue leads to coexistence among all ethnicities and religions.

These works represent an intellectual and humanitarian legacy that must be celebrated and taught to future generations.

6. Forming international human rights committees. 

 We call for the formation of international human rights committees to take Abdullah Ocalan's case to international forums and to follow up on his case until justice is achieved.

We also emphasize the importance of raising this issue in all international human rights forums.

7. Appealing to international organizations.

 We demand the submission of official complaints to humanitarian and international rights organizations, especially Amnesty International and the International Federation for Human Rights, to open independent investigations into the human rights violations against Abdullah Ocalan and to work for his release.

In conclusion: 

We express our gratitude and appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of this symposium, and we affirm that Abdullah Ocalan's struggle will remain alive in the hearts of all the free people of the world.

His struggle is the struggle of all humanity for freedom, justice, and the right of peoples to freedom and social justice in a democratic society.”

A-H

ANHA