AMARA, North Kurdistan, — Tens of thousands of Kurds marched through the roads of Amara to celebrate the 62nd birthday of the Kurdish national leader Abdullah Ocalan.
The crowd led by Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) deputies and officials marched from Halfeti city centre to Amara village where Ocalan was born on 4 April 1949.
Chanting “Happy birthday to you Leader Apo” the crowd carried PKK and KCK flags as well as Ocalan posters. Demonstrators visited the house in which Ocalan was born.
Speaking to the crowd Ocalan’s brother Mohamed Ocalan said “I will carry your message to Imrali. I will tell him about your struggle and best wishes”.
Demonstrators also commemorated two Kurds who were killed by Turkish soldiers during 2009 celebrations in Amara. Thousands visited the site where Mahsum Karaoglan and Mustafa Dag were killed and chanted “Martyrs are immortal”.