In a written statement about the rally that will take place on 16 November in Cologne to demand freedom for Kurdish people’s leader Abdullah Öcalan, TEV-ÇAND underlined the critical importance of determination in achieving success during what it termed a “third world war.”

The statement said: “Under the leadership of Rêber Apo [Abdullah Öcalan], the Kurdistan Freedom Movement is continuously reshaping the course of history. The unwavering stance demonstrated by our immortal comrades, Martyr Asya Ali and Martyr Rojger Helin, vividly illustrates the essence of our struggle. Every force that sought to annihilate the Kurdish people encountered the fierce resistance of our leader and guerrillas. On the anniversary of the liberation of Kobanê, the actions of Martyr Asya Ali and Martyr Rojger Helin resonate with even greater significance. Kobanê was liberated under the leadership of women fighting for freedom, becoming a beacon of human values. This ongoing oppression by the fascist AKP-MHP against the people of Kobanê underscores the urgent need for our solidarity and action.”

The statement added: “Thousands of martyrs have silenced those who declared, ‘Kobanê has fallen, it will fall,’ boldly asserting their will to the world. The ongoing enmity towards Kobanê stems from its historic resistance and triumphs. No matter the intensity of the assaults, the Kurdish people and the Kurdistan Freedom Movement will make success inevitable through the essence of Kobanê and Rêber Apo. We are currently in the second phase of the initiative for “Freedom for Rêber Apo, a Political Solution to the Kurdish Question.” Today, Rêber Apo’s ideas resonate as a source of liberation for all oppressed peoples. Therefore, it is our collective duty to elevate the campaign for his physical freedom. It is imperative for all institutions defending freedom, our community, and artists to recognize this.”

The statement continued: “Fascism is imposing a regime of slavery on the Kurdish people in every aspect of life, deepening its isolation around the leader. This is the underlying reason for the attacks on Kurdish culture; fascism cannot tolerate even the faintest trace of Kurdish identity. Therefore, artists must support the initiatives organized across all four parts of Kurdistan and throughout Europe.

Merely participating is no longer sufficient; true patriotism demands that we assume the highest level of responsibility during this critical period. Through organizing and taking decisive action, we will dismantle the barriers of fascism and break the isolation imposed upon us.

TEV-ÇAND Europe urges all our patriotic community members and Kurdish artists to take part in the march that will take place in Cologne on 16 November.”