Politicians and representatives of democratic mass organizations who took part in the "Great Freedom March" demanding the physical freedom of PKK Leader Abdullah Ocalan and the democratic solution to the Kurdish issue were welcomed with great enthusiasm in Botan. Messages of resistance left their mark on the receptions led by women. Freedom Marchers were welcomed by Mothers for Peace in Silopiya (Silopi) district of Şirnex. One of the mothers who welcomed the Freedom Marchers was Sakine Demir, the mother of Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Assembly member Sêvê Demir, who was murdered in Silopiya during the curfews.

 

SHE TRAVELED 1,582 KILOMETRES 

 

Silopiya People's Assembly Co-chair Pakize Nayır and Free Women Congress (Kongereya Jinên Azad-KJA) member, who participated in the indefinite hunger strike that started on September 12, 2012, demanding the end of the isolation imposed on PKK Leader Abdullah Ocalan, and on January 4, 2016, when the curfews continued after being released from prison. Fatma Uyar and the mother of murdered DBP Party Assembly member Sêvê Demir came to Silopiya district from Manisa, 1,582 kilometres away and welcomed the Freedom Marchers. Mother Demir welcomed the marchers with flowers in her hand and frequently chanted the slogan "Bêdengî mirine berxwedan jiyane (Silence is dead, Resistance is life)" during the march.

 

'I COULD NOT SLEEP'

 

Demir said she could not sleep since the "Great March for Freedom" started, stated that she came to Botan to end the isolation imposed on PKK Leader Abdullah Ocalan.   

 

Demir said: "This march is not being held for anyone's personal interests, this march is being held for the freedom of people's Leader and the unresolved issue of people. This march is for all oppressed peoples. I am calling out to mothers from here; they should support this march. Mothers should also put their personal interests aside. Everything done today has a meaning. For 6 days, people have been fighting for freedom, regardless of snow or winter. While you cannot even warm up in your beds, they are walking in the snow. Believe me, I have not been able to sleep even for 2 hours since the day this march started. Because these people are marching today to end the isolation in Imralı."

 

'FOCUS ON FREEDOM'

 

Demir stated that the march is important and meaningful for all people and said: "If necessary, let's close the doors of our houses and focus on freedom. I came here from Manisa. I also have children, I also have a house. However, my conscience did not allow me to stay at home. I opened the door of my house. I joined this march. We can't get any news from Imralı. Why? Because there is oppression. We will break this oppression. We cannot stay in our homes without end this isolation. Let's put all interests aside and give this march the necessary meaning."

 

'EITHER FREEDOM OR FREDOM'

 

Drawing attention to the role and mission of PKK Leader Abdullah Ocalan in the Kurdish issue, Demir said: "We are mothers, our hearts hurt. This march is a march for freedom. This march will get results and end the isolation. Freedom will not come without opening the Imralı gate and sitting at the table with Mr. Ocalan. This issue can be solved with dialogue. Today, prisons are on hunger strike not only for the freedom of the Kurds, but also for all the oppressed people living in the Middle East. We want this isolation to end and physical freedom Of Mr. Ocalan. Let peace and tranquillity come to the country. This is what I believe. It is we mothers who will bring peace to this country. Mothers should stand up, let our people stand up. How long will we remain silent? I wish success to all oppressed peoples. Either freedom or freedom."

 

MA / Zeynep Durgut