German academic and physician Reimar Heider, who was impressed  reading the court defenses and books of PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan, who has been held under aggravated isolation in Imrali for 23 years, have been translating the books of Öcalan for years now. Reimar Heider, spokesperson of Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan- International Initiative of Peace in Kurdistan told that he first had to learn Turkish and Kurdish in order to understand Öcalan better.

 

Heider, who follows the political movements and thoughts in the Middle East, and is particularly interested in the Kurdish issue, underlined that the 23-year aggravated isolation did not only target Öcalan, but that it was an impede on the Kurdish people. Drawing attention to the negative policies against Kurds by the NATO member states, Heider said: "Germany created a huge problem and blocked the way to the freedom of the Kurds and Öcalan and the way to peace. Heider answered the questions of Mesopotamia Agency (MA) before the 73rd birthday of Abdullah Öcalan.

 

 

How did you get to know Öcalan, did you ever see him in person?

 

Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to meet face to face. I was very active in solidarity groups with Kurdistan in the 90s. But there was so little translated material at that time. Therefore, it was not possible to learn anything about Öcalan's ideas. A report or an interview was being translated into German now and then, but this was not very common either. I had to learn Turkish to get to know Öcalan. This took a very long time. After Öcalan's abduction with an international conspiracy, I started to follow the written texts more closely. I read all his defenses. After the defenses, I read all the books I could find. In other words, I first learned about his ideology and then I had the opportunity to get to know him through his writings. I also listened to many Kurdish friends, those who had the opportunity to meet him, the people he educated. 

 

Is there a story you would like to share from your friends who had met him?

 

There is one actually. I've been telling my friend who experienced it to write about it for a very long time. So I don't want to  ruin her story, but I can tell you this. There was a group, including Germans, who went to the academy in Syria from Europe to meet with Öcalan. The image portrayed in the press here was that he was a very tough, disciplined, constantly criticizing and ordering people around. People were kind of afraid of him because of that. Friends who went there and had the chance to meet were telling a completely different story. When they came back, they told us that he was not at all that kind of person, he was a very understanding, friendly person and a good listener, extremely active in discussions and present in the moment.

 

*What do Öcalan's ideas mean to you? How can we evaluate these ideas in the context of regional and global problems, especially in the Middle East?

 

As soon as I started reading Öcalan's texts, what I found most interesting was how serious he was when discussing the problems of the 20th century and the defeats of various revolutionary movements, socialist theory and ideology. While examining these defeats, he discussed how to do it better, why the movements in question were defeated, how alternatives should be developed to prevent this from happening, and the historical roots of the problems. It is this perspective that I find most valuable in discussing an ideology.

 

Another thing that struck me was that it went deeper into the problems. For example, when discussing or examining a particular strategy of socialism or an organizational problem, he digs and digs and goes as deep as he can go. Trying to see the underlying causes. He examines the historical roots of these causes. He examines how far back they went. He goes far too back analyzing. He goes back to the beginning of written history, and even further back. I find this very impressive and very important. I think he made a very important contribution to socialist and revolutionary thought. It is very important and at the same time unique that he puts the issue of women and gender equality at the center of every analysis. There is no other male thinker in history who has done this. Maybe a few socialist feminists did. That's why I think Öcalan's ideology has a lot to offer to many people, not only in the Middle East but also in the rest of the world. As a political leader in the Middle East, of course, he is the most important political actor in terms of the relations between the Kurds in Turkey and the other states in which they are in conflict with, but Öcalan's ideology and role are important on a global scale.

 

What does people in Europe think about the ideas and paradigms of Öcalan?

 

The majority of the population in Europe does not know Öcalan's ideas. That's the problem we're trying to solve. We are trying to spread this idea. We translate his books into many languages ​​and try to print them. We are trying to convey Öcalan's word to people because everyone who reads Öcalan, has the opportunity to know him, without exception, is affected by these ideas. And I am not talking about a single demographic group. For example, European young activists find Öcalan's texts very interesting ideologically. They make use of these texts in their own struggles. Apart from that, academics interested in the history of revolutionary thought find Öcalan's texts very interesting. They are very impressed by the depth of his thinking. So are politicians and people interested in politics. Those who see how constructive ideas he has in terms of peace in the Middle East, his thoughts on peace and coexistence, his thoughts on how different ethnic groups and religious groups can live in peace in the region, adopt this idea and apply it in their own field. For this reason, Öcalan really has something to offer to everyone, and everyone who reads and learns these ideas is very impressed by him.

 

Öcalan's books have been translated into many languages. You translated some of them. What made you want to translate the books of a leader who was handed over to Turkey by an international conspiracy? What kind of results did you encounter in your life after these translations?

 

I read his defense in the court in Imrali. Then I read the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) defense and decided to translate Öcalan's texts. The book From Sumerian Priest State to Democratic Civilization was published. It was two large volumes. After reading these and seeing how much they were discussed in the Kurdish Freedom Movement, I decided to do the translations. At that time, a ceasefire was declared. It was a long ceasefire and since the war did not continue, the discussion of the Kurdish issue in Europe came to an end. No one was writing or thinking about it. But at the same time, I could see that there were serious discussions going on among the Kurds. There were questions such as what kind of peace do we want, what is peace, how to solve all these problems. The extremely difficult questions that Öcalan asked about civilization, the state and capitalism were discussed in his books. How can all these be handled, how can Kurdistan become a focus for the solution of these problems? Because that's what he does in the book. By giving this book to people, Öcalan gives the codes of global problems and offers important clues for their solution. This intrigued me a lot. I saw that none of these very important debates were known in Europe. The solution to these very important problems was being discussed in Kurdistan. Even the Kurds in Europe and those interested in what happened there were unaware of these discussions. This motivated me to make these translations. It is globally important and I thought these discussions should be known. Later, I translated Free Human Defense into German.

 

As for what affected me while translating… I wasn't affected while translating because it was a very difficult process. Subheadings  had subheadings. It required a lot of knowledge, a lot of research. I had to do a lot of research to fully understand what he was talking about and the historical process he was talking about. I was impressed when I read it. The unlimited size and importance of his thoughts and ideas was mind-blowing.

 

As for the results, the most important result was that this idea has become a very important part of my life. I dedicate myself to translating these books, making people read and teaching them. If you're talking about a negative result, it didn't happen…

 

Öcalan's books are taught as a course in some universities in Europe. How many of these books are bought and read? What is the level of influence from this idea? Is there any bans on the book or censorship of the books?

 

There have never been any problems with translations. On the other hand, there have been attacks on the books in Kurdish during police interventions against Kurdish institutions. Of course, the target here is not the books themselves, but the Kurds, Kurdish institutions. As for universities, these books are discussed and read in some schools, although not very common. This is so valuable. It is taught in some universities not only in Europe, but also in Mexico, and lectures are given on it. But this happens from a much broader perspective. These lectures discuss new political theories and models. Much attention is paid to the Rojava example. The theory of democratic confederalism behind the Rojava model is highly debated. In this sense, yes, we can say that books found their way to universities. But it seems to me that this situation is not yet as common as it should be.

 

 

I want to continue with 23 years of aggravated isolation in Imrali Prison. There has been no news from Öcalan for a year. How do you evaluate this situation, which is a violation of national and international law? 

 

In a word, it is a terrible situation. It's also incredibly frustrating that it's so hard to do something about it. As you said, it is against both domestic and international law, but it is incredibly difficult to enforce such laws in Turkey right now. Even in Europe it is difficult. Although many positive decisions have been made on this issue recently, I do not know whether we are very close to a final solution. The European Court of Human Rights also has decisions regarding the enforcement of these decisions. It's a very long and tedious process. But it should not be overlooked that this situation is also related to the general process. In other words, this isolation is not only applied to Öcalan. This is an extreme, possibly unprecedented, isolation. There is no second political prisoner in the world held under these conditions. This is also an isolation imposed on the Kurdish people, Kurdish organizations and Kurdish institutions. We can say that the isolation imposed on Öcalan and the isolation on the people go hand in hand. This situation extends to Rojava. Many countries still have very limited communication and cooperation with the Rojava administration. All this is based on the isolation imposed on Öcalan. Yes, there is an attack on Öcalan himself, but this is a much broader issue of isolation. Every thought and idea advocated by Öcalan is in isolation. In the past few years it has been possible to draw more attention to this issue. Now more and more people are aware of this terrible practice. Many activists are now shouting in the streets that this is not at all acceptable, arguing that the isolation must be ended immediately, but their voices, our voices, are not yet strong enough to change the situation.

 

You mentioned that more attention has been drawn to this issue in recent years. What is the reason of this?

 

One of the main reasons for the increased interest in the Kurds is definitely the fight against ISIS. More and more people are writing about it now. It is written in different languages. More people are hearing about it. More people are asking questions. Why did it happen? How did that happen? How could the Kurds win such a victory against ISIS, which no one could stand against or resist? What is the difference between the armies of these countries and the Kurdish forces? After asking all these questions, the it automatically comes to how Öcalan's ideas shape the resistance in Rojava and how he educated the people resisting there. Until recently, people started to get information about Öcalan and the Kurdish movement other than what was reported in the mainstream media. This is a very important factor. Another very important factor is that people have started to have first-hand knowledge of Öcalan's ideology. If you wanted to inform yourself about Öcalan and his ideology 20 years ago, you would have gotten this information either from the enemies of Öcalan, who wrote book after book about how bad a man he was, or from the mainstream media that said the Kurds are bad people. It was almost impossible for people to access objective and real information. This situation has now changed. The translation of books into dozens of languages, the publication of short versions, brochures and articles in many languages, the fact that knowledgeable people want to explore the subject more deeply, going to Kurdistan personally and conducting face-to-face interviews with real sources have started to change opinions about the Kurds and Öcalan.

 

What kind of work is being carried out in Europe to end this isolation on Öcalan and ensure his freedom? What are you planning to do next?

 

A lot of work is being done to draw attention to this situation. Many actions, marches and rallies are organized. Of course, the participation is mostly from Kurds, but this has changed recently. Many young people from all over Europe participate in these demos. Signature campaigns are organized. I can say that these campaigns are very useful in informing people about the isolation. We put pressure on the government and state institutions to ask questions and impose sanctions on Turkey on this issue, but what is done is not enough. In addition, support is growing day by day. For example, honorary citizenships were given to Öcalan in some cities and towns. This campaign is particularly strong in Italy. With this campaign, Öcalan is honored for his efforts and work on peace and freedom. Apart from this, there are trade union activities that are stronger in England. These unions organize solidarity with other unions around the world. But we can say that all these are studies at the information level. Because although people know the Kurds and the Kurdish problem, they do not know Öcalan and the isolation problem that much. So we still have a lot of people we need to inform.

 

What kind of responsibility do Western states have regarding isolation? What kind of involvement do they have in the emergence of this result? How do you evaluate the policies of Germany in particular? 

 

This is a very broad subject. Even before Öcalan was kidnapped by an international conspiracy, countries organized in NATO prevented Öcalan from staying in Europe. He could have stayed in Italy, he could have gone to the Netherlands, he could have gone to Germany, he was ready to be tried in a court in Germany. There was an arrest warrant issued for him. He said, “Okay, I will come and give my statement in court in Germany.” These countries prevented Öcalan from coming to and staying in Europe. In other words, even before the abduction itself, these countries played a major role in the deadlock of the Kurdish question. They did not want the Kurdish problem to be resolved. They did not want Öcalan to represent the Kurds and the Kurdish freedom movement. They did not want a political solution either. This situation continued. It continues during the abduction process, after and still. After that, they did nothing for years other than prosecuting the Kurds in Europe.

 

Germany leads these countries. It can be said that there was some support in Öcalan's talks with the Turkish state, but what actually happened was that they did not provide full support to the Turkish state. In other words, there was no support for a real peaceful solution. No effort was made to reconcile the two sides. I think it was because the Turkish government wanted support. In this context, although Europe gave something like support, this support was not enough to get Öcalan out, end the isolation and provide Öcalan with his birthright human rights. In the United Kingdom and Germany, this negative process was at the forefront. As a result, an alliance between Germany and Turkey, independent of governments, was born. Currently, this situation has become such that in Germany, photographs of Öcalan have been banned in many cities of Germany. Öcalan photography is prohibited in public, can you believe it? So you are doing an action or holding a rally. You say we want the isolation on this person to end, but you cannot show that person's photo. This is a very absurd situation and it is like an announcement of how hard the people working on this issue are exposed to. Germany created a huge problem and blocked the way for Kurds, Öcalan's freedom and peace.

 

Widespread campaigns were made for Nelson Mandela in many countries of the world, and he took a large place in international relations and diplomacy. The reality, the dynamic that took action and made efforts for Mandela, why is it so conservative in taking action for Öcalan today?

 

This is a very important question and it has many dimensions. Back then, the world was in a different state than it is now. Globally, the socialist left had very serious support for the anti-apartheid movement. Already at that time, the left itself was much stronger than it is now. Another dimension is that the apartheid regime was clearly a global problem. In other words, even people with no connection or connection to South Africa could say, 'This is racism, this is the white fascism regime.' This was a huge problem for all black people and all oppressed peoples in the world. Therefore, there was a very serious identification with the anti-apartheid movement. This strengthened the movement a lot. It even strengthened it in countries like the USA because there were very serious problems with racism there, too. The demonstrations were large and powerful. And interestingly, the biggest supporters of the apartheid regime until the last moment were again Germany and the United Kingdom. They continued to defend the apartheid regime even when it was exposed, ostracized by the whole world, until there was nothing left to defend. 

 

On the other hand, there are many similarities that can give rise to optimism in this regard. While Mandela was the one who initiated the arming against the regime, he was also the leading figure in the peaceful resolution of the problem. Mandela is very similar to Öcalan in this respect. Although he led the armed struggle, today we see Öcalan as a leader who negotiated with the Turkish state for years, called for a ceasefire and invited a peaceful solution. And this situation is quite sufficient to see its effect on the Kurdish movement, its sincerity in terms of a peaceful solution and its competence in establishing peace. All this proves that Öcalan is the only person who can bring the movement to a peaceful solution. In this sense, freedom for Öcalan is not only for Öcalan, it also means the freedom of collective Kurdish identity. Millions say that Öcalan is our representative and leader. If you want to negotiate with us, talk to Öcalan. As a leader representing a people, his freedom is absolutely essential in this negotiation process.

 

What kind of activity should the Kurds carry out in international diplomacy for Öcalan's freedom?

 

We are talking about a people who have accomplished incredible things. We are talking about a people who resisted the attacks of the Turkish state, resisted the attacks of ISIS, resisted the attacks of various other jihadist groups supported by dozens of states, and paid an incredible price in Southern Kurdistan and Eastern Kurdistan. It is not anyone's place to tell them you have to do this and that. In terms of European diplomacy, as I have said before, there is one point that we must underline and emphasize frequently, and that is the fact that Öcalan is seen as a leader by millions of people. In addition to this, there is a human rights issue that cannot be ignored in the century we live in. This person has undeniable human rights.

 

Kurds will celebrate Öcalan's birthday on April 4. Do you have a message you want to share about this? Will you have a events to celebrate his in Europe?

 

Yes. We have been trying to draw attention to the importance of Öcalan's birthday for years. In Europe, especially Kurdish women, Kurdish institutions will hold celebrations. I believe there is a more important point to emphasize here. That's the time he spent in isolation and Öcalan's age. And as time goes by, it becomes more and more vital to draw attention to this issue. Of course, no one should live in such a severe isolation for such a long time, and such isolation is illegal in many countries of the world. Whether you are a 25-year-old person or a person over 70. But when this isolation, the time spent in isolation, and Öcalan's age are taken into account, this situation becomes more and more terrible with each passing hour, not every day. I think this birthday should be a occasion to remember this absolutely terrible situation to which he has been subjected for more than 23 years.

 

WHO IS REIMAR HAIDER?

 

Reimar Heider is a medical doctor and human rights activist. He is one of the spokespersons of the International Initiative “Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan-Peace in Kurdistan” and has translated several of Abdullah Öcalan's books. Learning Turkish and Kurdish to translate Öcalan books, Haider's translations include Free Human Defense, History in the Tigris-Euphrates Basin: Urfa, Symbol of Holiness and Curse, Defending a People, Road Map, Democratic Society Manifesto-Civilization, Capitalist Civilization and Sociology of Freedom. . Heider is still the spokesperson for the Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan - International Initiative for Peace in Kurdistan.

 

MA / Gozde Cagri Ozkose