Establishing Amazigh Initiative for leader Ocalan's freedom

On Thursday, eight Amazigh organizations, movements, and parties issued a statement announcing the launch of an initiative to educate the Amazigh public about the ideas and philosophy of Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan and the Kurdish issue, under the name "Amazigh Initiative for the Freedom of Kurdish Fighter Abdullah Ocalan."

The statement noted: "Coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the international conspiracy and the kidnapping and detention of Kurdish thinker and activist Abdullah Ocalan, which was carried out by several global and regional states on February 15, 1999.

Believing in justice, humanity, and the end of oppression, and in the unity of the destinies of peoples that struggle for freedom and democracy in the region, we, the undersigned, who belong to the Amazigh movement, have decided to establish an initiative to inform the Amazigh public about Ocalan's case and the Kurdish issue.

We are driven by the strong ties that connect our Amazigh people with our Kurdish brothers, which we wish to strengthen, as well as the similarities and parallels in our harsh circumstances and the attempts to erase the identity, language, and authentic culture of our peoples. Our ongoing struggle for decades has led to us being referred to as "twin peoples," even though we are not geographically adjacent and have not historically met. However, those who attempted our elimination share a singular, unilateral mentality and coercive behavior.

The Kurdish people have suffered—and continue to suffer—from forced integration, displacement, oppression, and even genocide at the hands of the four states that divided Kurdistan, under the rule of successive nationalist and Islamist regimes that deny the existence of this original people. When the free Kurds fought for their freedom and sought to reunite their dispersed communities, their demands were met with violence, weapons, and extreme repression that continues to this day.

Mr. Abdullah Ocalan, the thinker and leader who holds the key to peace and the political and democratic solution to the Kurdish issue in Turkey and beyond, has unfortunately been subjected to unlawful and inhumane practices for 25 years. Most recently, for the past three and a half years, Turkish authorities have prevented him from meeting with his lawyers and family, in violation of all laws, including Turkish law itself.

For these reasons, the Amazigh Initiative will work on cultural, media, legal, and artistic levels to inform the Amazigh people about the Kurdish cause in general, and Abdullah Ocalan's situation, including his writings in volumes titled "Democratic Civilization." It will also seek to gather public support to pressure the Turkish regime for his release, as well as connect with all international initiatives and campaigns that demand freedom for the leader Ocalan and a political solution to the Kurdish issue. Just as Nelson Mandela represented his people, so must Ocalan emerge to contribute to peace, resolution, and democracy.

God grant us success and help.

Freedom for activist Ocalan, a political solution to the Kurdish issue.

Long live the brotherhood and solidarity of peoples.

Signatories of the statement:

1. Fathi Nakhleefa - President of the Libyan Nation Party (Libo) and former president of the World Amazigh Congress.

2. Khaled Al-Zirari - President of the World Amazigh Congress in Participation.

3. Axel Belabassi - Political advisor to the President of the Democratic Kabyle Republic and leader in the MAK movement for the self-determination of Kabyle.

4. Akli Chaka - Writer and founder of the International Youth Imohagh Organization.

5. Ayoub Ag Ashmad - Former president of the International Imohagh Organization.

6. Ahmed Douga - Vice President of the Libyan Nation Party (Libo).

7. Khalilo Mohamed Habibu - Representative of Amazigh Niger at the World Amazigh Congress.

8. Amani Al-Washahi - Representative of Amazigh Egypt at the World Amazigh Congress.

A-H

ANHA