NEXEM ÇAÇAN

Qamishlo – Women in Qamishlo, a city in Northern and Eastern Syria, demanded the end of the isolation imposed on Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan, emphasizing that his voice and thoughts have always been a source of inspiration for women’s struggle for dignity and equality.

Foziya Hiso, a member of the Martyrs’ Families Association, stated that women’s freedom is directly connected to the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan, saying, “According to international law, a person who has reached the age of 70 should be released from prison. Regardless of their religion, many communities take pride in Leader Apo’s thoughts and philosophy. We, as women, learned the meaning of peace and stability from Leader Apo’s ideas.”

Leader Apo’s freedom is not only an individual freedom

Foziya Hiso also noted that the Turkish state has still not taken serious steps regarding Abdullah Öcalan’s physical freedom, adding:

“Leader Apo fought greatly for the brotherhood of peoples, to stop the bloodshed, and for world peace. Today, many states are convinced of his ideas on freedom and peace, but the Turkish state still does not accept these ideas and has not taken concrete steps. Because they do not want leader Apo’s freedom and peace. Leader Apo should live not in prison, but in peace and tranquility. He himself clearly expresses this stance by saying, ‘We are not lovers of blood; we are lovers of freedom and peace.’ Leader Apo’s freedom is not only an individual freedom; it is the freedom of the Middle East and of women. As long as Leader Apo is not free, women cannot be fully free either.”

The freedom of ideas should be included in physics

Hindirîn Selîm, President of the Enteriye Neighborhood Council, stated that women’s freedom is directly connected to Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan’s freedom, saying, “Leader Apo demanded the dissolution of the PKK for the sake of peace and stability, but the heavy isolation imposed on him continues. Today, the whole world has risen up, demanding his physical freedom. Because the freedom of the Kurdish people is the freedom of Leader Apo. The Rojava Revolution was achieved through the power of women; women organized and developed through Leader Apo’s ideas and philosophy. Leader Apo offered many opportunities to women and said, ‘Women’s freedom is my freedom.’ We, as women, promise to continue walking in the direction of Leader Apo’s ideas. As long as Leader Apo is not free, we women will not consider ourselves free.”

"Leader Apo’s freedom is also the freedom of women."

Hefîsa Hisên, Co-President of the Martyr Seydo Commune, emphasized that women in Rojava gained agency through the ideas and philosophy of Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan, saying, “Before the Rojava Revolution, women faced great difficulties, exploitation, and violence; the Baath regime did not allow us to work or produce. However, thanks to the Rojava Revolution, which has lasted 14 years with the support of women, many things have changed. Leader Apo demanded the dissolution of the PKK for the sake of peace and stability. Presented his call for a democratic society for all peoples. Today, the whole world talks about Rojava women; because we, as women, have proven ourselves, organized through Leader Apo’s ideas and philosophy. Therefore, we say that Leader Apo’s freedom is also the freedom of women.”