The Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 2019 was a watershed moment for the Freedom for Ocalan campaign, with trade unionists from up and down the country making us welcome, supporting our cause and wanting to learn more about Abdullah Ocalan and the trade union Freedom for Ocalan campaign which works to secure his release.
The campaign was proud to dedicate its new campaign banner to the Tolpuddle Martyr’s Festival with Nigel Costley, South West TUC Regional Secretary and Frances O’Grady, General Secretary of TUC formally accepting the dedication. The campaign would like to express it’s immense gratitude to Nigel and his team for making us so welcome.
Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 2019 & Freedom for Ocalan
As well as holding a stall to distribute literature the Freedom for Ocalan campaign also hosted a packed out panel session in the UCU Tolpuddle International University Tent and campaign advisor Ibrahim Dogus delivered a warmly received speech on the mainstage prior to Sundays procession.
The Freedom for Ocalan campaign was honoured to attend the 2019 Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival. Below is a gallery of images from the event and procession and we will be adding more media soon.
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 have a major presence at the Tolpuddle Martyrs festival 2019.
- Send delegations to Turkey and Kurdistan and supported 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.