Turkish police block march for Öcalan's release, Kurdish solution in southeastern Gaziantep

Police in Turkey's southeastern Gaziantep province blocked the “Democratic Solution and Freedom March,” organized by the pro-Kurdish DEM Party and DBP. MP Ayten Kordu called for PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan's release, citing its importance for a democratic Kurdish resolution.

Wednesday December 18 2024 06:14 pm

Bahri Uçar / Gazete Duvar

Turkish police on Dec. 18 intervened in the “Democratic Solution and Freedom March,” which was organized by the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, the Democratic Regions Party (DBP), and several civil society organizations, as it passed through the southeastern Gaziantep province.

The group, including DEM Party Tunceli MP Ayten Kordu, DBP Co-Chair Çiğdem Kılıçgün Uçar, and representatives from political parties and civil society groups, attempted to march to Kırkayak Park. Police blocked the march, preventing it from proceeding.

When police denied permission for the march, the group made a public statement. Afterward, the participants attempted to walk collectively to the DEM Party’s provincial office, but police intervened again, causing tension. Some disputes arose between the marchers and police. Under police supervision, the group was allowed to proceed to the party building in smaller groups of five to ten people.

Speaking at Yeşilsu Park, DEM Party MP Ayten Kordu emphasized the importance of a persistent effort toward a Kurdish resolution.

Kordu stated, “Under the shadow of a world war, hegemonic powers are competing for dominance in northeastern Syria. In Syria, a system led by women and built on the coexistence of different peoples has emerged."

She emphasized that the first principle for a democratic resolution was to abolish the isolation imposed on Abdullah Öcalan, the leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

"His physical freedom and conditions to work for peace must be ensured," added Kordu.

She stated that the march was for "peace and freedom."

"In Ankara, we will once again voice all of our demands. Our people long for peace, and Öcalan’s freedom will pave the way for democratic life and peace,” the speaker concluded.

In a move that reignited the Kurdish solution, government-ally, far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli on Oct. 22 invited jailed Öcalan to speak at the parliament, hinting at his release from prison.

(English version by Ayşenaz Toptaş)