Ruken Ahmed: Leader Ocalan must be granted right to hope and physical freedom

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe is set to meet from June 9 to 11 to review rulings by the European Court of Human Rights regarding the “right to hope.” Speaking to ANHA, Ruken Ahmed, a member of the Kobani City Administration, shared her views on the issue.

“The Law Must Be Upheld”

Ruken Ahmed said that decisions taken by the committee must be implemented, adding:

“We hope the mistakes of the past will not be repeated. The committee must act in accordance with the law and recognize Leader Abdullah Ocalan’s right to hope. His physical freedom must be guaranteed.”

She noted that Abdullah Ocalan’s conditions have remained unchanged over the past 27 years, saying: “Lawyers, journalists and delegations should be able to visit Leader Abdullah Ocalan under normal conditions. However, the same harsh conditions continue to this day.”

“The Turkish State Has Not Taken Serious Steps”

Ahmed also drew attention to the Peace and Democratic Society Process launched by  leader Abdullah Ocalan on February 27, 2025, stating:

 “Following the launch of this process, the Freedom Movement took two steps. The first was the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) dissolving itself at its 12th Congress. The second was a symbolic ceremony in which a group of PKK members destroyed their weapons and publicly announced it.”

She said these steps demonstrated readiness for a peace process, but that the Turkish state had not taken any serious measures in response.

Ahmed further noted that the committee formed to monitor the process had completed part of its work, saying:

“One or two members of the committee visited and met with Leader Abdullah Ocalan. However, the committee should have submitted all of its documents, reports and recommendations to parliament. This issue should have been the primary agenda item of the Turkish parliament, because it includes all political parties and concerns them all.”

“Decisions Issued by the Meeting Must Be Implemented”

Ruken Ahmed emphasized that many prominent figures have supported leader Abdullah Ocalan’s initiative and the peace process he launched.

On the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers meeting on human rights, she said: “This three-day meeting is important for the Peace and Democratic Society Process and for implementing Leader Abdullah Ocalan’s right to hope. It is extremely important that a delegation from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party attends the meeting.”

She added that lawyers who have represented  leader Abdullah Ocalan for the past 27 years and who continue to face difficulties because of their work should also participate. She further called for discussions on the messages and directives that the leader regularly sends to the public.

Ahmed said the reasons behind leader Ocalan’s continued imprisonment over the past 27 years and the denial of his physical freedom should also be addressed.

 “These issues should be discussed openly and transparently during the meeting. Efforts should be made to ensure that the meeting produces positive outcomes and appropriate decisions, and that these decisions are translated into practical steps and implemented on the ground.”

ANHA