Massive rallies in Raqqa for leader Ocalan's Physical Freedom

On February 15, 2025, thousands gathered in Raqqa, including representatives from civil institutions, the co-presidency of the Executive Council of Raqqa, deputies from the Democratic Peoples’ Council of the Autonomous Administration, as well as members of the Syrian Democratic Council, the Future Syria Party, the Democratic Union Party, the General Mobilization forces, and the Bar Association of North and East Syria.

 The demonstrators assembled at Free Woman Square in central Raqqa before marching towards Al-Naim Roundabout. Protesters carried banners reading, "We Will Turn the Black Day into the Day of the Leader's Freedom," and chanted slogans demanding the physical freedom of the leader.

 Upon reaching Al-Naim Roundabout, participants observed a moment of silence in honor of fallen martyrs.

 Speaking at the rally, Hamdan Al-Abd, Deputy Co-Presidency of the Executive Council of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, stated:

"From the city of peace, we send a message of fraternity and solidarity. Al-Naim Roundabout, once a symbol of oppression, has now become a beacon of freedom and dignity."

 Al-Abd emphasized the need for unity, referring to the Palestinian and Kurdish causes as two unresolved crises in the Middle East, often exploited by external forces for their own agendas. He described leader Ocalan’s imprisonment in Imrali as a "light of freedom and dignity for all peoples," reaffirming that the Democratic Autonomous Administration represents a project for all Syrians.

 "We stand at a crossroads today," he added. "We must move away from rhetoric of treachery and hatred and instead work together responsibly for the benefit of our peoples."

 Al-Abd also addressed the Syrian government in Damascus, stating:

"We have preserved Syria’s unity, and our hand remains extended for peace and dialogue. We seek a state that guarantees the rights of all."

 Bushra Al-Ahmad, spokesperson for the Zenobia Women’s Gathering, condemned the "international conspiracy" that led to leade's imprisonment, describing him as "a symbol of dignity and an inspirational leader."

 She highlighted the significant achievements of women in North and East Syria, attributing their empowerment to leader’s philosophy: "Women have become leaders, fighters, politicians, and administrators contributing to all aspects of political, economic, and social life."

 Al-Ahmad expressed hope for an imminent message from the leader, calling it "a potential turning point for peace and stability in our region." She affirmed confidence in his ideology as a pathway to a just resolution of the Kurdish issue and lasting peace among the region’s peoples.

 Anwar Al-Asr, the Co-President of the Bar Association of North and East Syria, described February 15 as a "painful and historic day" marking the "Black Day"—the anniversary of  leader Ocalan’s capture.

 He asserted that the leader is "not just a political leader but a voice of human conscience, a peacemaker, and a fighter for the rights of oppressed peoples." His arrest, he argued, was "not merely an attack on an individual but an assault on the values of humanity and the right of peoples to self-determination."

 Al-Asr vowed that the struggle for leader’s physical freedom would continue, calling on "all honorable people around the world" to stand in solidarity until this goal is achieved.

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ANHA