International Conference on freedom of leader Ocalan kicks off

Organized by the Kurdistan Media Office and the Committee for the Freedom of Leader Apo, the conference is being held at the headquarters of the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL) in Rome, according to ANF News Agency.

This conference is part of the global campaign “Freedom for leader Abdullah Ocalan – A Political Solution to the Kurdish Question,” which launched on October 10, 2023.

Broad International Participation

More than 300 delegates from 16 countries are attending the conference, including delegations from the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party, politicians, trade unions, lawyers, activists, and representatives of youth and women's movements. Also in attendance is Emilia Callaci, Deputy Mayor of Bologna, who recently granted honorary citizenship to Abdullah Ocalan.

Day One Program – April 11

The conference opened with musical performances inspired by the ideas of leader Abdullah Ocalan. Speakers on the first day include Simon Dubbins of the British UNITE union, Professor Kariane Westrheim, and campaign spokesperson Zubeyde Zumrut. A cultural event will also take place at the Ararat Center, featuring Kurdish cuisine followed by a musical performance.

During the sessions and panel discussions, participants will assess the outcomes of the campaign over the past two years, the impact of leader Abdullah Ocalan’s call for peace and democratic society (February 27), and the role of women’s and youth movements in sustaining the campaign. Perspectives from Kurdistan and the Middle East will be shared, along with discussions on the potential of legal and international advocacy to support Abdullah Öcalan’s physical freedom.

Day Two

The second day will focus on international legal and human rights efforts, with participation from the Century Law Firm, and discussions centered around leader Abdullah Ocalan’s vision for peace and a democratic society.

The conference will conclude with an open forum for feedback and proposals, moderated by Nilüfer Koç, Michela Arricale, and Sara Glynn. Institutions like Rete Jin, Jineolojî, the Academy of Democratic Modernity, and women’s and youth movements will participate, along with online contributions from international representatives.

The outcomes of the conference will be published in four languages: Kurdish, English, Italian, and Spanish, and shared with the global public.

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ANHA