Tamer Tanrıkulu, who was released yesterday after 32 years in Aksaray Type-T Closed Prison, was greeted with great enthusiasm in Amed (Diyarbakır). Arrested in March 1994 and sentenced to life imprisonment by the State Security Court, with his release postponed six times, Tanrıkulu was welcomed at his family home in the Fatih neighborhood of Rezan (Bağlar) by family members, representatives of political parties and civil society organizations, and many others with applause, ululations, and flowers. During the welcoming slogans such as “Long live prison resistance” and “Bijî Serok Apo (Long live Leader Apo)” were frequently chanted.

 

Speaking during the welcoming, Tanrıkulu expressed great happiness at being free after 32 years but said he felt sorrow for his friends still in prison. “My heart and soul remain behind,” he said, adding, “I hope Mr. Abdullah Öcalan and all my friends in prison will soon achieve physical freedom. We will keep the promise we made to our people in the struggle until our last breath.”

 

Drawing attention to the “Peace and Democratic Society Process,” Tanrıkulu said: “This process makes our responsibilities more difficult than ever and requires great care. We have always achieved results through resistance, and once again we will achieve results together with our people. The struggle carried out so far has made the identity and existence of the Kurdish people recognized worldwide. From now on, in this new process, the struggle will ensure that the Kurdish people’s status is recognized globally. We believe this and will continue our leadership until our last breath. We will continue our struggle.”