Yazidi women take over the vigil for Öcalan in Strasbourg
Since June 25, 2012, a permanent vigil has been organized before the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT). Activists demand immediate intervention by the CPT for the lifting of Abdullah Öcalan’s solitary confinement and his release. This week, activists Fikriye Ferho, Zübeyde Xebat, Zero Kivağî, Sosin Kartal and Ayhan Iğrek from the umbrella organization of the Yazidi Women’s Councils (Sîwana Meclîsa Jinên Êzidî, SMJÊ) took over the protest.
Fikriye Ferho said on behalf of the group, “We came from Germany as members of the Organization of Yazidi Women’s Councils and resumed the vigil two days ago. As Yazidi women, we see the commitment to the freedom of Rêber Apo [Abdullah Öcalan] as our most important task. We have won our freedom based on his ideas and thoughts. It is our duty to defend Rêber Apo. We strongly condemn its isolation. We will take to the streets and resist until Reber Apo is free.”
Ferho pointed out that there was no sign of Imrali’s life for more than a year and a half and asked, “Where are the institutions and organizations that claim to protect human rights? Why are these organizations silent in the face of increased isolation?