The Freedom for Ocalan campaign was proud to return to the Durham Miners Gala 2019 for a second year after receiving the honour of being the international solidarity theme for the 2018 Gala.
Freedom for Ocalan at Durham Miners Gala 2019
At this year’s gala or ‘Big Meeting‘, the Freedom for Ocalan block was joined by Tony Burke, Assistant General Secretary of Unite the Union, Simon Dubbins, Director of International Solidarity & Research at Unite the Union and co-chair of the Freedom for Ocalan campaign, Stephen Smellie Depute Convenor of Unison Scotland and Secretary of the Freedom for Ocalan Campaign, as well as scores of activists from up and down the country.
A highlight for the campaign at the Durham Miners Galas 2019, was Doug Nicholls, General Secretary of the General Federation of Trade Unions, using part of his speech to the 200,000 gathered trade unionists, to call for the release of Abdullah Ocalan.
How can you help the campaign?
With growing support in the trade union movement, devolved governments and the Parliamentary Labour Party the Freedom for Ocalan campaign is calling on trade unionists and activists to support the many local campaigns now running throughout the UK and Europe.
If you’re a member of a trade union it’s critical you support us by requesting your branch, regional or national trade union affiliate now.
With trade union support in the last twelve months we’ve been able to;
- Have the privilege of being the international solidarity theme for the 2018 Durham Miners Gala and had a major presence at this years Tolpuddle Martyrs festival 2019.
- Send delegations to Turkey and Kurdistan and support local trade unions
- Successfully lobby the devolved government of Wales to support the goals of the campaign
- Run conferences in the House of Lords and City Hall London