Popular demonstrations demand freedom of Leader Ocalan

On the 27th anniversary of Leader Abdullah Ocalan’s departure from Syria on October 9, 1998, thousands of residents from across the North and East Syria region took to the streets today in large-scale popular demonstrations, denouncing the international conspiracy that targeted him and demanding his physical freedom.

October 9, 1998, marks a pivotal moment in the Kurdish cause, as it was the beginning of an international conspiracy involving regional and global powers that culminated in Leader Ocalan’s arrest on February 15, 1999. The political and humanitarian repercussions of this event continue to this day.

The demonstrations were held across various cities of the Jazira region, where crowds gathered in: the city of Tal Brak at the city roundabout, in Hasakah at the Sinalco roundabout, in Darbasiyah in front of Zivin Park, in Tal Tamr in the city center with the participation of residents from Zirgan, in al-Hol in front of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) office, in al-Shaddadi city center with residents from al-Arisha and Markada, in Amuda at the Women’s Roundabout, in Girkê Legê at the Martyr Khabat Roundabout, in Tal Hamis in front of the City Council building, in Derik at Azadi Square, in Tirbespiyê in front of Shadi Gas Station, and in Qamishlo at the Soni Roundabout.

The city of Tabqa also witnessed a massive demonstration, where hundreds of residents from the city and its countryside joined the march.

Participants included members of Kurdish, Arab, Syriac, Assyrian, and Turkmen communities, carrying photos of Leader Abdullah Ocalan as a collective expression of solidarity with his cause and a demand for his physical freedom, viewing him as a symbol of the struggle for freedom and justice.

Political parties, as well as youth, women’s, community, and civil organizations, also took part in the demonstrations.

The demonstrations are set to include speeches expressing the stance of the peoples of North and East Syria regarding the ongoing conspiracy and the isolation imposed on Leader Abdullah Ocalan.

A-H 

ANHA 

DERIK

TEBQA

AMUDE