The international conspiracy against PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan on 15 February 1999 is in its 26th year. Kurds refer to this day as "Roja Reş (Black Day)". For this reason, especially in Kurdistan, citizens dress in black every 15 February. In addition, various actions and events are organised to protest massively. The "You cannot darken our sun" protests, which were initiated by the prisoners against the conspiracy that started with the release of Abdullah Öcalan from Syria on 9 October 1998, continue today with the campaign "Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan, solution to the Kurdish issue". 

 

İbrahim Demir (62) is one of the names who have been in the demonstrations every year since Abdullah Öcalan was brought to Turkey. Demir has been reacting to conspiracy protests in Amed for 26 years. 

 

Demir stated that he heard the news that Abdullah Öcalan had been brought to Turkey late and that he went to the People's Labour Party (HEP) building, which was active at that time, and said, "Technology was not advanced at that time. But despite this, many people came to the party in a short time. There were 40-50 of us, but the attack of the other side was brutal. I received wounds on my head and back. I still have stitch marks on my head from that time. The attacks were very intense but the people resisted. Attacks have changed from that day to this day. Then they were only attacking and injuring. Now the system has changed much more, attacks and obstructions continue in many ways. For 26 years we have been boycotting and protesting the captivity of the Leader (Abdullah Öcalan) every year. But I believe that this year we will succeed, we will take back freedom." 

 

‘I RECOGNISED MYSELF WITH HIM’

 

"I recognised my people and myself together with him. I learnt the reality that I am an oppressed nation," said Demir and added, "When you look at the history of the world, you cannot see so many people burning themselves for any leader. Dozens of our friends burnt themselves alive. This is a history. It has taken its place in the pages of history. For the Kurdish people, the meaning and value of the Leader is completely different. For this meaning, he must be liberated and integrated with his people as soon as possible. We were attacked a lot while participating in these protests. There were detentions and arrests. Nevertheless, people burnt themselves. Who can stand in front of this? One of our mothers said, ‘I am bigger than death’."

 

Stating that Abdullah Öcalan is the person who can end the war not only in Turkey but also in the Middle East, Demir said, "There is only one thing that is indispensable for peace, and that is the freedom of Mr Abdullah Öcalan. Who were there in these processes (conspiracy)? International powers. But what happened? The leadership frustrated all these plans. The international conspiracy was thwarted. In this process, we want everyone who wants peace to be in the fields. Everyone should take to the fields for the freedom of Mr Abdullah Öcalan. We are in the fields despite all the pressures." 

 

MA / Şirvan Şilan Çil