Thousands Rally in Cologne for PKK Leader's Release

Demonstrators call for freedom for Abdullah Öcalan, detained in Turkey for 25 years.

The protest in Cologne attracted thousands advocating for Abdullah Öcalan's release from Turkish imprisonment.
Öcalan is the leader of the PKK, which is banned in Germany and classified as a terrorist organization by the EU and the USA.
The demonstration was largely peaceful, with police monitoring for prohibited PKK symbols.
Authorities had prepared for potential conflicts due to the emotional nature of the event among Kurdish and Turkish communities.
Participants traveled from across Germany and abroad, highlighting widespread support for Öcalan's cause.