Abdullah Öcalan

Abdullah Öcalan (also called Apo; born April 4, 1949, in Ömerli, Şanlıurfa, Turkey) is a Kurdish political and military figure, founder and leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Early Life and Education

Öcalan was born on April 4, 1949, in Ömerli, Şanlıurfa, Turkey. However, some sources indicate that he was actually born in Halfeti, which is a different location.

Founding of the PKK

Öcalan is known as "Apocu" and is the founder and first leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) since 1978. The party seeks to establish some form of independence from authority and build an environment described by him as "ecological democracy".

Military Activities and Peace Efforts

The PKK began military activities in 1984, with several attempts at peace with the Turkish government and ceasefire, including one in August 1998. During this period, Öcalan was forced to leave his exile in Syria for Russia, then Italy, then Greece, and finally arrived at the Greek embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, where he was arrested and sent to Turkey in February 1999 as part of an operation that sparked international outrage among Kurds worldwide and ended the last ceasefire.

Imprisonment

Öcalan was tried in Turkey on April 28, 1999, for treason against Turkey under Article 125 of the Turkish Penal Code. He was sentenced to death on June 29, 1999, for founding and leading a terrorist organization (the PKK).

Classification as a Terrorist Organization

The PKK has been classified as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States, the European Union, and Turkey.

Personal Life

Öcalan is currently serving a life sentence in prison.