SYRIAN KURDISTAN









Kongra Star: Together, we are writing a new chapter in the history of resistance

Kongra Star released a message of solidarity on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, saluting every woman who stands up against injustice: “Let us make this century the century of women’s freedom and empowerment."


ANF
NEWS DESK
Thursday, 21 November 2024, 15:19

The Democratic Political Alliances and Relations Committee of the Kongra Star, the umbrella organization of women in North-East Syria, sent a message of solidarity to women's movements and feminist movements around the world on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, November 25.

The message released by the Kongra Star Democratic Political Alliances and Relations Committee on Thursday includes the following:

“To all women’s movements and feminist movements around the world,

On this day when women’s voices unite to defend their dignity and their right to a safe and free life, we write to you with a spirit of resilience and struggle.

On November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we wholeheartedly salute every woman who stands up against injustice – whether in her home, on the streets, behind prison bars or on the front lines of resistance. We salute the women who are defending freedom all over the world: from Palestine, where women are resisting the brutality of occupation, to India, where they are fighting for equality, from war-torn Sudan, where women are bearing the brunt of conflict and injustice, to Iran and Eastern Kurdistan, where women are holding up the flag of resistance despite oppression.

Systematic violence against women stems from the patriarchal mindset, which is at the root of all forms of violence – be it exploitation, forced occupation, enslavement or massacre. Therefore, the fight against this violence must aim to overcome the patriarchal system itself. This system, which is reinforced and perpetuated by the state, continues to reproduce violence against women at all levels.

The patriarchal system wages a special kind of war against women. Targeting their achievements and hard-won rights, it seeks to incorporate women’s movements into its framework, depriving them of leadership and denying them true liberation.

We live in the shadow of an undeclared Third World War in which women are the main targets of a multi-layered struggle that threatens their existence and seeks to silence their voices. The Third World War is not just a military conflict, but a systematic war that is directed against life in all its aspects. It destroys culture, nature and fundamental human values. Faced with this global threat that endangers our existence as individuals and peoples, it is our duty as women to oppose this organized violence that is directed against life, identity and hope.

Under the slogan “With the philosophy of women, life, freedom – protect yourself”, we stand today in Rojava and in North and East Syria and affirm that the present moment calls for unity and increased solidarity among women. It is now more important than ever for women’s movements worldwide to unite and build self-protection mechanisms to counter the attempts of oppressive forces.

The women’s revolution in Rojava/North and East Syria is an evolving process that continues despite numerous challenges. This revolution, in which women are an important and leading force, is under constant attack – especially from the fascist Turkish state, which positions itself as the enemy of women and aims to crush this movement striving for freedom and equality. They want to destroy everything we have built, but we know that a revolution led by women is a revolution that cannot be defeated. It will continue until its goals are achieved.

This call is a renewed commitment to the path of struggle – a pledge to work hand in hand to create networks of support and solidarity that challenge oppression and ensure that women’s voices remain powerful and unyielding. We pledge to stand with every woman who stands up against injustice, every woman who resists oppression, and every woman who demands her rights in a just society and a dignified life.

As Kongra Star, we know that protecting the women’s revolution requires strengthening independent organizations and self-defense mechanisms. We believe that this moment is a historic opportunity to forge a global alliance that resists all attempts at subjugation and highlights the fact that the voice of women is stronger than the forces of darkness.

To all revolutionary women, to all women who cling to their dreams despite oppression, and to all who confront violence in every corner of the world, we assure you that you are not alone. Together, we are writing a new chapter in the history of resistance, striving to build a future where women’s freedom and dignity are inviolable rights.

Let us continue the struggle, strengthen our unity, and make this century the century of women’s freedom and empowerment.”

YPJ Central Headquarters for Women’s Protection inaugurated in Heseke

“As we approach November 25th, women need the knowledge of women’s science and defense more than ever. Without knowledge, struggle, and protection, we cannot safeguard our existence,” said YPJ General Commander, Rûhalat Afrin.


ANF
HESEKÊ
Thursday, 21 November 2024

The Central Headquarters for Women’s Protection was inaugurated with a grand military ceremony attended by the mothers and families of martyrs, leaders of the Syrian Democratic Forces, Asayish forces, representatives of the Autonomous Administration, the Star Congress, Women’s Core Protection Forces, along with our Armenian and Assyrian comrades, as well as fighters and leaders of the Women’s Protection Forces (YPJ).

During the fourth conference of the Women’s Protection Units, one of the most significant decisions made was to rebuild anew. Based on this decision, the Central Headquarters for Women’s Protection was inaugurated in a military ceremony that began with a moment of silence in honor and respect for the martyrs of the freedom revolution. General Commander of the Women’s Protection Units, Rûhalat Afrin, delivered a speech during the ceremony.

In her speech, Rûhalat Afrin congratulated Leader Abdullah Öcalan, the martyrs of the revolution, and all peoples, women, and fighters. She stated: “Important decisions were made at the fourth conference of the Women’s Protection Units. One of these decisions was to centralize the operations of women’s protection. All women urgently need to organize themselves against all forms of occupation, violence, and oppression. They must unite under the banner of defense and, with the philosophy of ‘Women, Life, Freedom,’ strengthen themselves in all areas of defense.”

Rûhalat Afrin also highlighted the efforts of the revolution’s martyrs, saying: “In the 13 years since 2011, we have witnessed hundreds of heroic epics. The struggle and sacrifices of the martyrs have stood firm against occupiers and have established a tremendous legacy for women and martyrs. Women must organize and protect themselves based on this great legacy.

We are currently experiencing a third world war at its highest intensity in the Middle East. In the face of this war, we must adopt a strategic perspective on the tasks of defense and protection. With women leading the way based on self-defense principles, all peoples must organize themselves and fulfill their responsibilities.

As we approach November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, women need the knowledge of women’s science and defense more than ever. Without knowledge, struggle, and protection, we cannot safeguard our existence.”

She further explained the role of the Central Headquarters for Women’s Protection, stating: “The headquarters will undertake the mission of protection for all components of northeastern Syria and all women. On this basis, women will be organized under the umbrella of legitimate defense. In this context, we will share our experiences and knowledge with women in the Middle East and worldwide. We will escalate the struggle to protect the values and gains of the revolution, regardless of the cost.”

In conclusion, Rûhalat Afrin addressed the increasing internal and external attacks, particularly the growing threats from ISIS mercenaries, Al-Nusra, and the occupying Turkish state in recent times. She stated: “We will prepare ourselves at all levels and intensify our legitimate resistance until we achieve certain victory. On this basis, we call on all women and peoples to join the ranks of steadfast resistance.”

After the military ceremonies, celebrations began, where mothers of martyrs, including the mother of martyr Jindar (Hamida Koti) and the mother of martyr Khabat Turkman (Khola Mohammed), spoke. They congratulated all women on the inauguration of the Central Headquarters for Women’s Protection and emphasized that women of all ages would take on the mission of protecting the homeland.

Messages of congratulations were read during the celebration, and the cultural group Hilal Zirîn (Golden Crescent) stirred enthusiasm with their beautiful and heartfelt performances. The celebration concluded with the traditional dances of the brave female fighters.

WE NEED SUCH A MOVEMENT IN AFGHANISTAN AGAINST THE TALIBAN

Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan given new 6-month ban on lawyers’ visits

Abdullah Öcalan has been given a new 6-month ban on lawyers’ visits. Asrın Law Office will appeal to the Constitutional Court against the decision.


ANF
NEWS DESK
Thursday, 21 November 2024

According to Mezopotamya Agency, Abdullah Öcalan and the other three prisoners in Imrali, Ömer Hayri Konar, Veysi Aktaş and Hamili Yıldırım, have been given a new 6-month ban on lawyers’ visits.

The lawyers of Asrın Law Office applied to Bursa 2nd Execution Judgeship for a visit with Öcalan and the other prisoners, but instead they learned that a new 6-month ban had been given to their clients on 6 November. The lawyers were not informed about the reason for the ban.

The objections to the decision were rejected by Bursa High Criminal Court. The lawyers will now appeal to the Constitutional Court (AYM) against the decision.

Internationalist activists: Abdullah Öcalan's thoughts and philosophy give us hope

Expressing that the aggravated isolation of Abdullah Öcalan is against international law, internationalist activists said, “Abdullah Öcalan's thoughts and philosophy give us hope. We must fight together for his freedom.”


DENİZ İKE-ZİLAN KARATAŞ
COLOGNE
Thursday, 21 November 2024,

Tens of thousands of Kurds friends participated in a march and rally in Cologne, Germany on 16 November as part of the ‘Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan, a Political Solution to the Kurdish Question’ campaign that was launched globally in October 2023. The internationalists who participated in the rally conveyed the message ‘Abdullah Öcalan's greeting is the light of women's struggle’.

Internationalist activists Min Sommer and Sarah Berg, who participated in the rally, spoke to ANF and stated the following: “We must fight together for the physical freedom of Abdullah Öcalan and take a decisive stand.”

Min Sommer noted that Öcalan has been in isolation for 26 years in violation of all international laws and said, “The German government and the European Union talk about democracy and human rights, but they do nothing about it. They are acting in their own interests because they are continuing their arms deals with the Turkish state. They consider these relations with Turkey more important than the protection of human rights. This is because big German companies benefit from these relations. This is why the repression of the Kurds is increasing in Germany and this is a great hypocrisy. The international community and Germany must take action to end the isolation and ensure the physical freedom of Abdullah Öcalan.”

Sarah Berg, another young internationalist, stated that she participated in the rally for the physical freedom of Öcalan and said: “We came together here today for the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan and the crowd gathered here shows how important this demand is. Millions of people do not accept and condemn the isolation of Abdullah Öcalan and the practices against international law. The existence and freedom of Abdullah Öcalan is a great source of hope for us internationalists. His thoughts and philosophy give us hope. We want to fight for this together and that is why we are here today.”

Colectiva Las Kompas vows to continue the struggle for ‘Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan’

Colectiva Las Kompas expresses their anger at the Turkish state's continued isolation of Abdullah Öcalan and emphasises that they will continue to struggle together for his freedom.


ANF
NEWS DESK
Thursday, 21 November 2024

The Mexico-based women's collective Colectiva Las Kompas sent a letter to the Kurdistan Women's Freedom Movement and the people of Rojava.

In a letter sent by comrades of the Kurdistan Women's Movement in Abya Yala, the Collective expressed their happiness after learning that Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan is in good health and, but said they are very angry and resentful that the Turkish state continues to keep Öcalan in isolation and under constant torture. “For this reason, together with you, our comrades, we will continue to demand his freedom,” said the letter, which further included the following:

“We also see that the bombings of the fascist Turkish state have intensified in order to destroy the Kurdish people's struggle for freedom and the Autonomous Administration experience in Rojava, which has raised the hope of all peoples. We also see ourselves in this barbarity. Today, a massacre is also taking place in Mexico. With the help of the government, the war, which supposedly appears to be between the drug cartels, is in essence being waged against our peoples. In this context, murders of indigenous leaders, human rights defenders and journalists who protect the land are increasing. The Mexican state and gangs are forcibly arming young people. With these pressures, they force people to flee and leave their territories. Thus, they are trying to destroy the Zapatista autonomy and the resistance of indigenous peoples, which is the hope for our region. The Zapatistas have a new generation of youth and children who are trained to build a new world; they want to eliminate them.

The same thousand-headed monster (Hydra) is chasing us all over the world, but it cannot destroy us. We are outraged at all the suffering that has brought tears to our eyes in Rojava, Chiapas and many other places. We know that the source of all the disasters we are experiencing is this damned patriarchal capitalist system. We see that this monster tries to neutralise our resistance by creating in us a sense of helplessness. But at such moments, we turn to your struggle and draw strength and energy from your struggle and resistance. Your struggle insisting on love, honour and free coexistence in the midst of evil and war is a source of inspiration for us.

And here we are. We are with you in our territories, in the spaces of indigenous communities, in the cities and suburbs.”

The collective concluded its letter by recalling the words of Bety Cariño, the murdered female pioneer in Mexico: “As our sister and comrade Bety Cariño says, ‘We sow dreams and reap hope’ and we send our love, resistance and rebellion energy to you through this letter. Freedom for Öcalan, Jin, Jiyan, Azadi.”

Turkey: What's behind Erdogan's outreach to Kurds?

Elmas Topcu 

DW

November 20, 2024

The Turkish government is sending ambiguous signals to the Kurds. Analysts believe it is hoping to garner some votes while also possibly splitting the opposition.

Political gestures of importance: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) shakes the hand of Turkish Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Leader Devlet Bahceli (L)

Image: DHA

When Devlet Bahceli, chairman of the ultra-nationalist Nationalist Movement Party, or MHP party, shook hands with politicians from the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), the gesture marked a political U-turn.

Up until October, Bahceli had claimed that the left-wing, pro-Kurdish DEM Party, just like its predecessor, the HDP, was an extension of the militant Kurdistan Workers' Party ( PKK) and should, therefore, be banned.

Even more surprising was Bahceli's next suggestion that PKK head Abdullah Ocalan could be released in exchange for announcing the dissolution of his party. Bahceli's party is considered the parent organization of the right-wing extremist group Grey Wolves and is known for its anti-minority ideology.

In the following days, the 76-year-old Ocalan received a visit from his family for the first time in 43 months. He has been in solitary confinement in a high-security prison since 1999.

A peace process with the PKK was put in place a decade ago already, but President Recep Tayyip Erdogan terminated it a year later in 2015.

After a few non-violent years, the bloody conflict flared up once more.

The Turkish government cracked down on Kurdish politicians in Turkey and launched military operations in northern Iraq and northeastern Syria.

The PKK has its headquarters in Iraq's Qandil Mountains. A de facto self-governing Kurdish state, known as Rojava, has established itself in northeastern Syria.

Ahmet Turk, a pro-Kurdish politician, was elected as mayor three times and also dismissed three times

Image: Kivanc El/DW

A carrot and stick approach?

Since Bahceli's push for Ocalan's potential early release, people in Turkey have been puzzling over what the government in Ankara is up to.

Why are its representatives seeking proximity to Ocalan at the same time as elected Kurdish local politicians are being removed from office?

In late October, Ahmet Ozer, the mayor of Istanbul's Esenyurt district and a member of the Republican People's Party (CHP), was arrested for alleged links to the PKK.

A few days later, three Kurdish mayors in southeastern Turkey were replaced by state officers.

This also happened to Ahmet Turk, an 82-year-old veteran of Kurdish politics. He has been elected and dismissed as mayor of the city of Mardin three times.

Observers agree that Erdogan is set on becoming the president of Turkey again.

However, a constitutional amendment would be necessary for a fourth term in office. As of now, Erdogan lacks the necessary majority in parliament.

Analysts believe that his plan is to use the carrot and stick approach to bring the Kurds and pro-Kurdish DEM Party into line by offering concessions, such as softening Ocalan's sentence to house arrest or possibly ending the practice of imposing state officials in Kurdish regions.

Moreover, such moves could also split the opposition.

Could the Turkish government's hope be to offset Abdullah Ocalan's release for Kurdish votes?

Image: Christoph Hardt/Panama Pictures/picture alliance

Power shift in the Middle East?

Arzu Yilmaz, a political scientist at the University of Kurdistan Hewler in Iraq's city of Erbil believes that there are other reasons for the latest developments.

"First and foremost, the unstable situation in the Middle East and the US govenment's decision to withdraw US soldiers from Iraq and Syria by 2026," she told DW.

Given Donald Trump's re-election, this could happen sooner than expected, she added.

Around 2,500 US soldiers are still stationed in Iraq, and some 900 in Syria, where they cooperate closely with local Kurdish militias.

"The balance of power in the Middle East is shifting, but despite its ambitions, Turkey is not an important player," Yilmaz said, saying that Ankara might want to change that.

Bese Hozat, the co-chair of the Kurdistan Communities Union, an umbrella organization of several parties of Kurdistan, including the PKK, echoed these thoughts. "Turkey's geopolitical and geostrategic position and influence in the region is gradually weakening," she said in an interview, adding that this was "causing the Turkish government to panic."

In her view, this has pushed it to find a workaround and try to instrumentalize Kurdish leader Ocalan for its own purposes.

Military operations expected

Earlier this month, Erdogan announced that he would soon close the "security gaps on the southern borders".

This signals a new round of Turkish military operations in Syria and Iraq.

Arzu Yilmaz believes that the Iraqi Kurds have no reason to worry about the future as their status quo is enshrined in Iraq's constitution.

However, the future of the self-governing Kurdish region in northeastern Syria is more uncertain, she said, adding that so far the US had supported the Kurds but it remained to be seen what would happen after the withdrawal of US troops. It was unclear who would fill the resulting power vacuum.

A key factor would be how the Kurds in the various regions cooperated with each other, she said: "This will determine whether the Kurds ultimately emerge from this crisis stronger or weaker."

Sources close to the PKK say that an initial meeting of Kurdish parties from Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey took place in the Belgian capital Brussels in November, however, the result of the discussion remains unknown.

The Kurds are the largest ethnic group in the world without their own state. According to estimates, more than 12 million live in Turkey, around 6 million in Iraq and the same in Iran, and just under 3 million in Syria.

Germany boasts the largest Kurdish diaspora community, which numbers around 1 million.

This article was translated from German.

Karamus: Isolation is a practice against the Kurdish people in the person of Abdullah Öcalan

KNK Co-Chair Ahmet Karamus stated that the isolation of Abdullah Öcalan is directed against the entire Kurdish people and emphasised that thousands of people who came together at the Cologne rally shouted ‘Öcalan is our will’.


DENİZ İKE-ZİLAN KARATAŞ
COLOGNE
Tuesday, 19 November 2024, 16:39

Speaking to ANF, Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) Co-Chair Ahmet Karamus drew attention to the absolute isolation of Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan and the concept of genocidal war against the Kurdish people.

Karamus stated that the isolation has spread to the whole society in the person of Abdullah Öcalan and said, “Although there has been a meeting with him recently, the isolation continues. Mr Abdullah Öcalan clearly states that the isolation continues. Even though only one meeting was held, this was a hope for the Kurdish people. We were able to get little information about his health, conditions and life at least. This was a source of joy for us. Although there was a so-called resolution process from 2009 to 2015, it became clear that the Turkish state did not have a project, will or concept to resolve the Kurdish question. The negotiations were held only to deceive the public. In this process, it was seen that the state did not have a solution-orientated project. The policy of oppression, attacks and persecution, which resumed especially after 2016, is part of a concept that aims to destroy the Kurdish people. The isolation of Abdullah Öcalan is part of this concept. This isolation is not an individual matter. The isolation is directed against the entire Kurdish people in the person of Abdullah Öcalan.”

Karamus emphasised that the isolation was directed against the thought and philosophy of Leader Öcalan and continued: “Despite all these attacks and isolation against Abdullah Öcalan, the Kurdish people have shown both nationally and internationally that Mr Öcalan is their will. The concept of war against Mr Öcalan, the Kurdish Freedom Movement and the Kurdish people failed to break this will. Tens of thousands of people who came together in Cologne said, ‘Abdullah Öcalan is the will of this people. The Kurdish question cannot be resolved without Abdullah Öcalan's role and mission'.”

Karamus drew attention to the invasion attacks of the Turkish state against North-East Syria and said, “The Rojava issue and the status of Rojava is one of the key issues in terms of the solution of the Kurdish question. Because Rojava has reached this point with Abdullah Öcalan's paradigm, thought and philosophy. Rojava has become a model for how problems in the Middle East can be resolved. The reason for the Turkish state's attacks on Rojava is the fear that the Kurds can resolve the problems of the Middle East through this model. They are also afraid that the system created in Rojava can resolve both the problems in the Middle East and the Kurdish issue. For this reason, the occupying forces target Rojava in all their messages. But can a solution be achieved through massacre, destruction and occupation? Of course not. Because the Kurdish people have shown who their will is in every field. For this reason, we hope that the forces cooperating with the occupying states, especially those who support the policies of the Turkish state, will understand that this cooperation will not bring any solution.”

Underlining that the Kurdish people are going through a very sensitive and dangerous process today, KNK Co-Chair concluded: “As the KNK, we have repeatedly attempted to unite the Kurdish movements in the four parts of Kurdistan and in the diaspora. However, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) has chosen to cooperate with an occupying state like Turkey, which wants to exterminate the Kurdish people. This is an approach that jeopardises the existence of the Kurdish people. Today, as the Kurdish people, we are going through a very dangerous and sensitive process. We have repeatedly conveyed a message to the KDP that co-operation with the Turkish state is not a solution. Once again, we appeal to the KDP; let's not allow a second Lausanne in the 21st century. Let us not be anyone's pawn, let us not fall for the games of the Turkish state. I hope that the KDP will understand the policies and goals of the Turkish state as soon as possible and take its place among the national forces. Let's be the main actor in the Middle East that ensures a solution to the Kurdish question.”

PKK/YPJ KURDISH FEMINIST DEMOCRACY

Rûken Nexede: Women did not surrender to male-dominated mentality

Rûken Nexede of the KJAR said that the women's struggle in Iran and East Kurdistan continues. Inspired by Öcalan’s philosophy, a great social awakening has taken place.

HEWRÎN CENGAWER
NEWS DESK
Tuesday, 19 November 2024,


East Kurdistan, which is ruled by the Iranian regime, is a focus of women's resistance. The 'Jin Jiyan Azadî' revolution was initiated by the women of East Kurdistan. The region is a place of both determined resistance and the harshest repression. On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November, Rûken Nexede of the Community of Free Women of Eastern Kurdistan (KJAR) spoke about the prospects of women's freedom struggle.


"An unprecedented level of women's struggle"

First, Rûken Nexede paid tribute to the people who lost their lives in the fight against patriarchy and emphasized that the existence of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is the result of the anti-patriarchal women's struggle. She spoke about the special level that the women's struggle has reached today, and said: "Today there is a general women's organization, women are discussing confederalism, they are expanding their knowledge of military organization. Women have reached a level in the 21st century for which we can proudly congratulate them on their resistance and uprisings. With the emergence of the apoist movement, many achievements such as the women's revolution, the military organization of women and the science of women have been realized."

"Women have never submitted to patriarchy"

Nexede added: "Throughout history, women have not submitted to patriarchy either spiritually or intellectually. Through Rêber Apo [Abdulla Öcalan], women returned to their true nature and learned how to fight against the patriarchal mentality, organize themselves and build a free life. The apoist women's movement was organized from this awareness and continues to fight on this basis today. Rêber Apo defined the 21st century as the women's revolution. We are proud of all the women's struggles that have taken place up to now. All of these struggles were fought with great difficulties and sacrifices. This struggle was fought by our martyrs like Heval Roza, Heval Sara and Heval Şîrîn in the prisons, mountains, cities and villages. With their heads held high, women emerged from the darkness with the philosophy of Rêber Apo."

"A free life means true love"

Nexede continued: "Rêber Apo described the personality of free women and men in a way that we can see in the sacrificial attitude of Heval Asya and Heval Rojger. Their willingness to make any sacrifice is so meaningful that we do not know how to appreciate them sufficiently. From the personality and actions of these comrades, we can see that a free life means true love. Therefore, I would like to pay tribute to them once again for the level of freedom they have achieved. The way to honor these martyrs is to also attain this level of freedom. In order to build a free life, all women should adopt these actions."

"Every place that Apoism reaches experiences a change"

Nexede said: "With the 'Jin Jiyan Azadî' revolution, women recognized the lost will and power of the people. At the same time, questions arose for both women and men: Who am I, how do I live, what do I live for and where do I live, what is domination, what is violence? This revolution made everyone question themselves. Artists questioned what their art was for; scientists began to investigate what science was and who it served. There was discussion about the extent to which the state was using science for its own interests. Everyone began to ask questions."

"Fear was defeated"

Nexede said: "Families began to question what family meant, what the roots of the family concept were and what it was for. The predetermined role of women, girls and boys was questioned. Students began to question how they learned things and whether it was for life or in the service of the system. Rêber Apo's philosophy brings about change wherever it reaches. The Iranian regime is currently desperate, it has no more resources and is in crisis. The pressure on society is great. Women and young people are massively oppressed under the guise of religion. But people have now seen the true face of this regime, they are taking a stand and fighting without fear. Although they know they may fall as martyrs, they continue to fight, make no compromises and sacrifice themselves for the freedom revolution."

TJK-E: Let's fill the streets with the slogan

 'Jin Jiyan Azadi'

'WOMAN, LIFE, FREEDOM'

TJK-E called on all women to participate in the actions and events they will hold on the occasion of 25 November International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.


ANF
NEWS DESK
Monday, 18 November 2024, 12:02

The European Kurdish Women’s Movement (TJK-E) issued a written statement on the occasion of 25 November International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

TJK-E said: “We welcome 25 November 2024, with the slogans ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadi’ rising all around the world. With the great struggles of women who say another world is possible, the patriarchal-statist system is being shaken from its roots today. On the occasion of 25 November International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, we remember with love and respect all women who resisted, worked hard and paid the price on this path, from the Mirabel Sisters to Sara, from Hevrin Xelef to Jîna Amini, who were the expressions of insistence on a free life against the fascist Trujillo regime. Their determination, love and struggle for a free life continues to grow in women’s struggle for freedom today.”

The TJK-E added: “We are going through a time when the Third World War is making itself felt the most. Women are the ones who suffer the most from the reality of war that has seeped into the daily life of society; from the attacks and policies developed by the nation-state, capitalist modernity and the patriarchal system in a multi-layered and multi-faceted manner. The Third World War, which developed as a result of the existence and interests of hegemonic powers, concerns us Kurdish women the most, both because its center is in the Middle East and because misogynist policies are being brought to the top. For this reason, the task of developing our own self-organization, self-policy, self-defense, and creating alternatives in terms of social, economic, cultural and educational aspects, as well as resisting genocidal attacks, is more urgent than ever. This urgency determines the essence of our struggle as Kurdish women.”

We will expand the struggle against attacks

The statement continued: “We, the European Kurdish Women's Movement (TJK-E), are aware that women are targeted in the Third World War, and that women's self-defense must be developed.

We see 25 November as a day when our continuous struggle reached its peak, when women's organization, actions and creations reached their peak.

As Kurdish women living in Europe, we say that we will defeat the trustees who disregard the will of women in Bakur, the execution policies of the Iranian regime, the invasion plans for Rojava, the betrayal in Bashur and isolation in Imrali. On this basis, we call on all women to participate in the actions and events we will hold with great enthusiasm and to make the streets in every country in Europe resound with the slogan “Jin Jiyan Azadi.”

ACTION CALENDAR

The actions and events to be held between November 18-25

Hundreds of men march against violence against women in Qamishlo

Events are being held in many centres in North-East Syria to combat violence against women on the occasion of 25 November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.


ANF
QAMISHLO
Monday, 18 November 2024

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November, the autonomous region of North and East Syria is holding a series of events over several weeks. This year's activities by the women's associations in the region are under the motto ‘Defend yourselves with the Jin-Jiyan-Azadî philosophy’ and aim to raise awareness in society and empower women through education and high-profile actions.

Hundreds of men took to the streets in Qamishlo and staged a march with slogans condemning violence against women.

The march from Sonî Junction to Martyr Rûbar Junction was participated by hundreds of people from civil society organisations and many institutions of the Democratic Autonomous Administration.



A press statement made on behalf of Kongra Star highlighted Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan’s thoughts on women's struggle and pointed out that society needs free women.

Referring to the meaning of 25 November, Cewahir Osman said, “The ruling forces impose violence on society in the person of women. Violence against Leader Apo (Abdullah Öcalan) is violence against all women. We say enough is enough and we say that you cannot break our will as a people.”

Another speaker, Xufran Tewkeb, who addressed the crowd pointed out that women struggle for freedom all over the world and stated that violence must be rejected.

Xufran Tewkeb stated that Öcalan’s ideas and philosophy are the source of the struggle for women's freedom and emphasised that women will continue this struggle in the strongest way.

Karasu: Violence against women is a social problem


ANF
NEWS DESK
Monday, 18 November 2024

In the third part of this interview, Mustafa Karasu, member of the KCK Executive Council, talked about the upcoming 25 November, International Day Against Violence Against Women, as well as the 27 November, the anniversary of the founding of the PKK.

The first part of the interview can be read here, the second here.

We are currently approaching an anniversary, namely November 25, the International Day Against Violence Against Women. What do you have to say in this context, especially to men?

The women’s issue is, of course, an important cause. Violence against women is a thousand-year phenomenon. Violence against women is a historical phenomenon, and one can say that it is one of the oldest problems of society. In fact, it is the source of all other problems. The source of social problems is domination over women. And what is dominance built on? It is achieved through violence, through many forms of violence against women. Rêber Apo speaks of the woman as the first colony. She was treated like the first colonized nation. And has since then been oppressed for thousands of years.

In this respect, this problem is more than just the fact that many men have oppressed women and many men have killed women. It is a social problem that concerns the whole society. It is a problem that needs to be solved. Without the elimination of violence against women, without the elimination of the policy of violence against women, in other words, without women being free, society cannot be at peace. Society cannot be healthy. Where there is violence against women, society is sick and unhealthy. It is a great humanitarian problem to inflict violence on the mother, the one who gives birth and raises the child. A woman is part of society, half of it, and violence is particularly practiced against her. Of course, this must be opposed. One cannot be a democrat, a human being, a moral person, or a conscientious person without taking a stand against this.

Violence against women is a social problem. There is this approach among men. It is an approach that feeds on male dominance and is related to morality and conscience. Men have that tendency. It has been implemented in their genes for thousands of years. It has become a culture of belittling women and practicing violence against women. Every man must know that this culture has infected him, and he must get rid of this evil, this ugliness. This is a very important issue.

Rêber Apo has paved the way for the women’s freedom struggle, and there have been important developments in Kurdistan. But still, in Kurdish society, men’s understanding of violence against women continues. He has not been able to get rid of all that dirt and rust. If Kurdish youths and Kurdish men say that they are loyal to Rêber Apo, if they talk about the freedom of the Kurdish people and democracy, they should definitely change their approach towards women. Men, patriots need to get rid of this tendency to violence against women. Otherwise, their patriotism is incomplete. One cannot be a true patriot, democrat, or freedom seeker; one cannot be conscientious or moral if one doesn’t work on getting rid of this.

The issue of violence against women is important. And when I say violence, I mean it in any aspect. Even raising one’s voice against a woman is violence. Generally, men raise their voices to women when something happens. This is a tendency of masculinity, a tendency to dominance. But there are so many more forms of violence, restriction in social life, not seeing women as equal, exclusion, etc.

On the occasion of the approaching November 25th, I commemorate the Mirabal sisters with gratitude and respect. November 25th has become a day of struggle against violence, and it is having a great impact. It has spread to the world. On this occasion, I condemn all violence against women, and I call on all patriots and democrats to fight against violence against women. All patriots in Kurdistan must avoid violence when approaching their wives, children, daughters, and sisters. This is true patriotism.

Another anniversary is also slowly approaching, the founding day of the PKK, on November 27. For decades, it has been said that the PKK is on the verge of being crushed, but again and again it continues to develop and emerge stronger as before. What can you tell us about this, or about the approaching anniversary in general?

The founder of the PKK is Rêber Apo. Rêber Apo founded, developed, and brought the PKK to the present day on the basis of an ideology that has continuously developed and sustained itself from the first to the present day, that is, on the basis of an ideology that integrates itself with society, integrates itself with the people, integrates the struggle, in other words, ensures that the society embraces the people. It has been 46 years now, and there have even been more before that. For more than 50 years, a struggle has been going on. This has created a culture. The PKK is no longer just an organization or a political party.

Today, the PKK is a social culture, a social mentality, a part of society. In other words, society has also become the PKK. That’s why society constantly chanted slogans like “PKK is the people, the people are here.” This is the reality. It is no longer possible to separate the PKK from the Kurdish people. It is not possible to separate it from Kurdish history. It is not possible to separate it from Kurdish culture. The PKK’s survival at this level, its strong existence despite all the attacks, is the result of this. The PKK is a power beyond its current concrete strength. If the attacks against the PKK fail to achieve results, it is because the PKK is a bigger force than it appears. It is a movement deeply rooted in society.

The PKK has always gotten stronger, is getting stronger, and will get stronger. The PKK is the organized form of Rêber Apo’s thought. Rêber Apo’s thought is a thought that will no longer determine the present but the future. The PKK, which is its organized form, will continue its influence in the future. It has militants like Asya Ali and Rojger Helin. These are the values they have created. There is prison resistance; there is the women’s movement. As Rêber Apo said, the PKK is a women’s party. It is a party shaped on values that we cannot list here. It is delusional to think that the PKK can be destroyed through these and those attacks. That is why the reality of the PKK is a reality that needs to be further researched and analyzed.

The PKK has become a reality beyond us. This needs to be seen. If the PKK were just material assets, concrete realities, the PKK would not be able to survive under so many attacks. The PKK has a spirit that keeps it alive. That power, which is beyond its concrete existence, beyond its material existence, sustains the PKK. It keeps us constantly struggling, and by struggling, we constantly yield results. This cannot be prevented by any attack. On this basis, I salute Rêber Apo once again with gratitude and respect for creating such a party. I also remember with gratitude and respect all our martyrs who have brought the PKK to this day. The PKK will struggle by adhering to their memory and will realize their aspirations.

Karasu: Four years of struggle led to visit with Öcalan in Imrali

Karasu said: "It was the struggle against isolation, which has been going on for many years, and the struggle for the physical freedom of Abdullah Öcalan that led to the visit in Imrali."


ANF
NEWS DESK
Saturday, 16 November 2024

Mustafa Karasu, member of the KCK Executive Council, spoke on the rumors about a solution process in Turkey, and contextualized the meeting with the Kurdish people's leader Abdullah Öcalan, as well as the action against the TAI in Ankara.

Over the last few weeks, a certain discourse has developed about the Kurdish question and possible solution processes in Turkey. Also, for the first time in many months, a meeting took place again with the Kurdish people's leader, Abdullah Öcalan. How are these developments to be understood? How do they relate to each other? And what action needs to be taken?

After four years of total isolation, there was again a meeting with Rêber Apo [Abdullah Öcalan]. And Rêber Apo conveyed his greetings to everyone. We also send our greetings with longing, love, and respect. Receiving greetings from Rêber Apo was a morale boost for us and for all our people. It has been very difficult not to hear from him or get any news about him for four years. In this respect, hearing that the meeting took place was important news for us.

Devlet Bahçeli shook hands with the MPs of the DEM Party on 1 October and made statements talking about making peace 'outside and inside.' The meeting with Rêber Apo took place during such developments, and of course it was evaluated and interpreted in many different ways. Of course, such evaluations and interpretations can come to mind in the context of Devlet Bahçeli’s call to Rêber Apo and Erdoğan’s support for this call. For those who are not aware of the truth, for those who do not see what is going on, such evaluations are understandable. However, one must point out that the meeting with Rêber Apo is not directly related to Devlet Bahçeli’s statements and the subsequent discussions.

For years there has been a great struggle for the lifting of the isolation imposed on Rêber Apo and for his physical freedom. For four years there has been no meeting and no information. It is the struggle of our people, the struggle of our people in Europe, and the struggle of our international friends that is really challenging the Turkish State. There is pressure on the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) and on the Council of Ministers (CM) of the Council of Europe (CoE), which has led to the fact that more pressure is being put on Turkey. Turkey was faced with difficulties in continuing its isolation. After four years, the pressure and problems have increased to such an extent that such discussions are taking place. It is clear from Devlet Bahceli’s speeches that the Turkish state was in such an obsessive situation that they had to agree to a meeting with Rêber Apo in order to free themselves from the pressure. Especially in view of the current situation, he wanted to play with people’s feelings and perceptions.

The struggle against isolation, which has been going on for many years, and the struggle for the physical freedom of Rêber Apo is what led to this meeting. Since the State and the Republic were having such a very difficult time, they wanted to get rid of the pressure by having this meeting. They arranged this meeting to create some confusion in this period, to create a perception as if there was a softening, as if there could be a different approach to the Kurdish question.

Many people outside of us started to think about a solution process; they thought and discussed it. But let me emphasize that this meeting with Rêber Apo has absolutely nothing to do with these recent discussions. As I mentioned, it is one meeting that emerged as a result of a four-year struggle.

Rêber Apo did not say the isolation was lifted. If there would be a change in the state's approach towards the Kurdish question, the isolation would be lifted. The isolation should be lifted, but it continues. Shortly after the meeting, Rêber Apo was given a disciplinary punishment. The fact that this meeting took place should not be interpreted differently; it should not be thought to have arisen for different reasons; it should be seen as what it is, the result of years of struggle, and the struggle should be continued with the awareness that isolation still continues. The struggle and resistance should definitely not be loosened. Because the meeting with Rêber Apo was not only a morale booster for the people, but also the reflection of the few sentences of Rêber Apo’s thoughts was important in many respects, namely in terms of giving direction, gaining understanding, and giving a message about how events and facts are approached. The struggle against isolation must continue.

My comrades have already evaluated and put forward this in a comprehensive manner. Rêber Apo himself said 'isolation continues'. This means that we will continue the struggle. This meeting was achieved through struggle, and the struggle must continue. Rêber Apo emphasized that this should not lead to any laxity. There are perceptions created by the special war in society and individuals. Misunderstandings arise as a result of the campaigns carried out by the special war forces. Especially today, where there are dozens of televisions and other tools and means in service of the special war of the state, perceptions can be distorted. Under no circumstances should one fall for them. Our people are aware of this and tell themselves everywhere that the isolation continues. Everywhere in northern Kurdistan and elsewhere it is said that the isolation continues and that the struggle will continue. This is positive.

There will soon be a big rally in Cologne, on 16 November. There the struggle against isolation will be put forward. In the second year of the global campaign for the physical freedom of Rêber Apo, initiated by our international friends, a new rally is being organized. A very strong participation is needed there.

No struggle is in vain. One must never forget that only through struggle can achievements be created. Also, one should not forget that the Kurds are a people under genocide. The leader of the Kurdish people is also under genocidal pressure. The policy applied to Rêber Apo is a policy of genocide. Destroying the leader of a people, destroying its consciousness, destroying its direction, is also destroying all the values of that people. Because for every people, for every society, leaders are the sum of values. They are the most important representation of their values. Destroying him means destroying and attacking all values. Our people must embrace Rêber Apo with this awareness. We are convinced that through the struggle, Rêber Apo will be liberated.

Yes, the struggle is difficult. It is being waged with great difficulty. The struggle in every field is carried out under difficult conditions. But this struggle carried out under difficult conditions will surely succeed. The difficulties show the importance of the struggle and how hard the enemy’s reality is. Without a strong struggle against such a reality, without fighting no matter what the conditions are, there would be no results. To expect success easily, to expect that results will be achieved easily, is to not recognize the genocidal colonialist reality, to not understand the Kurdish reality, the reality of Kurdistan, and its position in the Middle East. In this respect, everyone should struggle, no matter what the difficulties are, and succeed. They should not see the difficulties as an obstacle. Difficulties are a reason to struggle in the Kurdish reality, in the reality of the Kurdish people’s struggle for freedom. It is not another factor.

How did this change in approach come about all of a sudden?

This is something that needs to be well understood. Probably no one deals with the Kurdish question and the war against the Kurdish people as intensively as we do through our responsible struggle against it. For 50 years we have been waging this struggle. We know genocidal colonialism. We know what kind of struggle these 50 years have been. In this respect, when evaluating Devlet Bahçeli’s and Erdoğan’s speeches, it is necessary to consider them within the totality of this struggle. It is necessary to consider it within the totality of the war being waged against us, against the Kurdish people.

In this respect, of course, with all due respect, we have more advantages than anyone else in terms of understanding such discourses and knowing what they are. Because we are constantly struggling, we are at war. We almost think and calculate their daily thoughts and what their daily moves will be. We are in a position to understand why Devlet Bahçeli or Erdoğan would resort to such a discourse, since we know in which political environment, under which conditions we are struggling, what the situation of the genocidal colonialist front is, what the situation of the Middle East is, what the situation of our struggle is, and all the conditions.

So what happened? Why does Devlet Bahçeli, who until yesterday used genocidal rhetoric and poisonous language and completely denied the Kurdish existence, attack not only the DEM Party but all Kurds, all those who carry out the struggle of the Kurdish people, all kinds of attacks and blasphemies, say, 'Let’s make peace'? There must be a reason for this. In this respect, of course, various reasons are being discussed. The AKP-MHP government is facing difficulties outside and is also facing difficulties inside. This is a fact. But it is wrong to draw a conclusion like this. ‘They want to get out of this difficulty by solving the Kurdish question’.

It is wrong to think like that. Yes, they are having difficulties outside; they are having difficulties inside, but there is a war of genocide they are waging against the Kurds. In the process of being under massive pressure, they want to bring the war they are waging against the Kurds to a conclusion. It is necessary to be aware of this. They didn’t change their mentality regarding the Kurdish question. They do not have a democratic mentality or interest in solving the Kurdish question. A democratic mentality is necessary to solve it. It is necessary to adopt a mentality that accepts the existence of the Kurdish people, their identity, and their culture. There is no such thing in the current government, especially not in the MHP, not in Devlet Bahceli. In this respect, one must carefully evaluate why this step was taken.

The difficulties in the region, the war being waged by Israel, them saying that Israel would attack Turkey – there is a great war going on in the Middle East. A war is being waged that has the effect of shaking the Middle East balance. This goes hand in hand with Turkey’s geopolitical power and influence being gradually diminishing. For 150 years, Turkey’s geopolitical position, which it has used, marketed, and which was its most important political power, is no longer in its former strength, no longer in its former influence. We cannot say that it has completely disappeared. But it is no longer in a position to make itself a hegemonic power, to use it as blackmail, to use it as a bargaining chip. The development of relations between Israel and the Arabs and the search for different energy routes reveal this. These are, of course, worrisome for Turkey.

The AKP-MHP government has brought Turkey to this point as a result of its own policies. Now it wants to take all opposition forces behind it and maintain its own position. It wants to make itself a power in this complex geography. But it is its policies that have brought Turkey to this point. It is the AKP-MHP government that has caused Turkey to have problems both in regional politics and at home.

Now there was the speech by Devlet Bahçeli, and Erdoğan supported it. It cannot be said that there is a problem between Erdoğan and Devlet Bahçeli. It is not right to think that they are involved in just a simple tactical relationship on such an important issue or that they would engage in such things without each other’s knowledge. They talked beforehand, and afterward Devlet Bahçeli took such a step. Otherwise, even to think that Devlet Bahçeli has surpassed the AKP on the Kurdish issue, that he has come to a more reasonable point, is to not know the reality of the MHP, to not know the reality of the Turkish state.

Gradually, this is now being accepted. Ahmet Turk also said in his speech, 'Such things are being said. When these things are not accepted because there is nothing, then they will come at us with more violence. There is such a game.' Yes, there is such a game. This game is mainly played on the DEM Party. They will say, 'We gave you the space to do politics; we approached you softly; you didn’t respond to that,' and then they will come at them with violence and repression. We don’t need to evaluate this. Devlet Bahceli, Mehmet Ucun, and Erdoğan all pointed this out clearly by themselves. There is no need to complicate this so much, no need to evaluate what it is and what it is not. One could interpret Mehmet Ucun’s sentences one by one. What does he mean? Devlet Bahçeli said, 'Either you accept or you will be punched.' Accept what? 'You will give up your Kurdishness. You will give up the Kurdish cause. You will not talk about Kurdishness, freedom, or democracy. Be a politician, be an MP, be a mayor, but don’t deal with such things. Don’t talk about the Kurdish people’s struggle for freedom and democracy.' If you do follow their lead, you are allowed to be a mayor or an MP. You can do politics. This is what is being said.

Freedom and democracy mean fighting against this state, against this government. It means taking a stance against the policies of this government.

To look for something in this is only to reveal their desire. I wish something good would happen. Yes, everyone wants something good to happen. The Kurdish people want steps to be taken; they want the situation to be solved. No one wants this more than us. Probably no one wants it more than us. It is not even understandable to make sense of Devlet Bahceli’s call. Yes, he shook hands with the MPs. He spoke about peace outside and peace inside. Then Devlet Bahçeli called Rêber Apo to the parliament. What did he say? Come and disband your organization. What do you mean, disband his organization? The political will of a people, the power of thought. For 50 years, it has been struggling for this. It has tens of thousands of martyrs. He says come and disband it. Surrender. That’s what it means. Only this, yes.

Devlet Bahceli took Rêber Apo as an interlocutor. It is understood; everyone understands that the addressee of this issue is Rêber Apo. That is why he is calling there. If they want to solve the Kurdish question, Rêber Apo is ready to do it. It has become clear once again that Rêber Apo is the interlocutor. On the other hand, Bahceli also said that there is isolation. So they also admitted that there is isolation.

Another point that needs to be made clear. There is a rumor going around that Rêber Apo spoke to Qandil on the phone. This is made up and does not correspond to reality. So far, there has been no contact of this kind. There is no such thing. We follow the developments on TV like everyone else. We follow it in the press. There was no contact, and there is no process. They can always meet with Rêber Apo. The Turkish intelligence service can always go and meet with Rêber Apo. There have been many meetings with him in the past in Imrali. But we understand from what Omer Ocalan told us, and also from Tuncer Bakirhan’s statements later on, that Rêber Apo also pointed out that currently there are no talks, there is no solution process. The meeting that took place should not be interpreted in a different way. The meeting was the result of years of struggle.

This period needs to be approached carefully and correctly. There are many traps and games. The AKP-MHP government is a special war government. Every day they make up new games, trying to deceive the people. Erdoğan is a demagogue. So is Devlet Bahceli. Fascism means demagoguery. It means distorting the facts. The MHP’s discourse on this issue has been known for a long time. They say that Kurds are their brothers and speak about the Turkish-Kurdish brotherhood. Turkish and Kurdish people are brothers. It is the state policy that pits the Turkish and Kurdish people against each other; it is this government. It is the policy of this government. Now these demagogues are talking about brotherhood. All these speeches and discussions need to be addressed properly. No one should have any hope that anything will come of them.

Of course, a solution is desirable. The people want it, we want it, the democratic political movement wants it, and our international friends want it. The people of Turkey also want it. Because this problem needs to be solved in order for Turkey to get out of crises and problems. But there is no intention or desire for such a solution on the side of the state. On the contrary, they want to deepen the policy that has been in place for years even further.

In particular, the members of the DEM Party and the public need to be aware of what kind of game is being played on them. They must stand firm and struggle against this policy. There is no other way but to fight against this policy. We will not surrender, since we will not give up our Kurdish identity, since we will not give up the cause of freedom and democracy of the peoples, of the Kurdish people. Their policy needs to be well understood and accordingly struggled against.

In this context in particular, we would like to talk about the action that took place a few weeks ago against TAI, the military center in Ankara. What can you tell us about it?

I commemorate those who carried out the action against the TAI in Ankara respectfully and gratefully. They revealed what Kurdish identity, culture, and conviction are. They have shown the essence of Kurdishness, of Kurdish feelings and awareness, and the Kurdish stance in the fight against the genocide against the Kurds.

They have shown a stance against the genocide of the Kurds. They made a sacrifice against this comprehensive pressure. They internalized this because they were aware that the Kurds were being exterminated, because they were aware that the Kurdish existence was under threat. That is why they decided to stand up for the protection of existence, freedom and democracy. This is how this action is to be understood. This is the message that must be read from this attitude from this action.

Why such sacrifice? Why such a sacrifice of one’s own young life? These are questions that every Kurd has to answer for himself. As I said, there is currently no process. I repeat it again; there are some who complain that this action took place during these discussions, but the action has no connection to the current discussions. The action was the result of long-term work. It is not something that is prepared and carried out within one or two days, one or two months. It is the result of months of preparation.

On the other hand, the war continues. If there was a process, if there was no war like in 2009-2010, then it would be different. But the enemy carries out any kind of attack with the intention of annihilation. The action is the response to that. It is the response to the genocidal attack. It has nothing to do with what Devlet Bahceli said on October 1 and the discussions that followed. It is an action against the genocidal policy against the Kurds, against the policy from which this Turkish state emerged. Now the war continues, and this was an action against a center that produces weapons that are used against the Kurdish people. UCAV’s, like the Aksungur, are produced there. What are they used for? They are used to kill civilians everywhere. In Rojava, South Kurdistan, and everywhere else, they are used to kill civilians, reporters, intellectuals, politicians, etc. TAI is a center of war. There is currently a war between the Turkish state and the freedom movement. So the target is legitimate. It is a war factory that produces weapons and is therefore a legitimate target. The people who work there are soldiers. What they produce are weapons.

Therefore, it was an important action. It shook them. Because they kept saying that they knew everything and would be in control of everything. They were saying we know how they breathe and even what number of shoes they are wearing. The action was the biggest answer to that. There is no obstacle that a sacrificial guerrilla cannot overcome. The guerrillas always carry out actions. There are hundreds of thousands of such young comrades. It is the Turkish state policy that has made these young people like this. It is their policy of genocide. Of course, young people, militants who feel great hate towards this genocide policy, emerge. They have emerged before, and they will also emerge in the future.

Asya Ali’s biggest anger was that she could not properly speak her own language. She said, “Teach my nephews their language, teach them their culture.” She was aware of the ongoing attack on these values growing up in Izmir. I wonder how many Kurdish youths in Izmir know their own language. There is a genocide.

A member of the ‘Battalion of the Immortals’ once said, 'There is only Sirnak and Colemerg (Hakkari) left. If it continues like this after 20 years, even they will forget their language and culture, and then the Kurdish question will be over.' That is their policy. In this face, what are the Kurdish youths and those sacrificial people expected to do? Of course, they will find an answer to this policy. They have written beautiful letters. They really impress. It is obvious that they really managed to put their feelings on paper. In fact, those messages should be the feelings of all Kurdish youth, the message of all Kurdish youth. They should feel the same way. They should try to reach that level. Everyone should try to reach that level.

Yes, they gave impressive messages. A message to their families, a message to the Kurdish people. At the same time, they called for popular resistance should be put forward against the trustees. They called on their families, their comrades; on everyone. This call also expresses that this genocidal colonialism cannot be fought against with an ordinary struggle, with an ordinary patriotism. The Kurds cannot get rid of genocide like this. They gave this message clearly and revealed to everyone the necessary level of struggle against this Turkish state, against this genocidal colonialism. Everyone should measure themselves against the standard they have set through their attitude. We should all ask ourselves where we stand. We are in their debt. When they went into martyrdom, they said that they were still in our debt, but we are the ones who are really in their debt.

FREE OCALAN!

Historic rally in Cologne: We are ready for an honourable and democratic solution

Kurds and their friends who came together in Cologne for the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan gave the message “We are ready for an honourable and democratic solution’ and “The key to the solution is in İmralı.”


ANF
COLOGNE
Saturday, 16 November 2024,

Thousands of people rallied in the German city of Cologne on Saturday demanding freedom for Abdullah Öcalan and a political solution to the Kurdish question.

The demonstration in Cologne is organised under the slogan ‘Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan and a political solution to the Kurdish question’ in the scope of the international campaign ‘Freedom for Öcalan - A Political Solution to the Kurdish Question’, which was launched in October 2023 and recently joined by 69 Nobel Prize winners worldwide. The participants made an urgent appeal for the release of Abdullah Öcalan and the resumption of a dialogue process to resolve the decades-long conflict in Kurdistan through peace negotiations.

The rally started with a moment of silence for the martyrs of Kurdistan and the world revolution and the anthem ‘Ey Raqip’, followed by speeches by Zübeyde Zümrüt and Engin Sever, Co-chairs of KCDK-E (European Democratic Societies Congress), and Ayten Kaplan, representative of TJK-E (Kurdish Women’s Movement in Europe).

A written message by the KJK (Kurdistan Women's Union) Coordination said: “Now is the time to succeed in the unceasing struggle of our people and martyrs for a Free Kurdistan and a Free Leader. To this end, history expects us more than ever to lead in struggle, work, organisation, action and labour. We greet you with our most sincere love and loyalty with our belief that you will enlarge the struggle you have carried out until now.”

Geisweid: We demand justice and human rights for Mr Öcalan and all political prisoners

Speaking after, MAF-DAD Co-Chair Heike Geisweid said, “We gathered here today to protest against the inhumane isolation of Mr Abdullah Öcalan. This situation is not only contrary to international standards, but also violates Mr Öcalan's basic human rights on a daily basis. Since 15 February 1999, Mr. Öcalan has been held in the F-Type High Security Prison on Imrali Island and has been subjected to a system of isolation and torture rarely seen in the world.

İmralı Island and the prison have been placed in a ‘crisis situation’ with special restrictions since 16 February 1999. This crisis situation can only be declared regionally and temporarily in extraordinary circumstances such as natural disasters, war or earthquakes. However, this ‘crisis situation’ was legalised by regulations after July 2016.

From 27 July 2011 until the coup attempt in 2016, the weekly visit requests of Mr Öcalan's lawyers were rejected on various fabricated grounds. The visits could not take place on allegations of unfavourable weather conditions and technical defect of the coaster going to the island. Immediately after the declaration of the state of emergency in 2016, an execution judge in Bursa took the first decision to ban lawyer visits in İmralı Prison. After 15 July 2016, this ban was renewed every six months under the pretext of the state of emergency.

In Mr Öcalan's case, the ‘Right to Hope’ has also been de facto abolished. In a judgement delivered in March 2014, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled that Turkey had violated Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights - the prohibition of inhuman and degrading treatment - by imposing an irrevocable life sentence on Abdullah Öcalan.

As lawyers, we are well aware of the political and social implications of this situation. Because Mr Öcalan is not just a political prisoner; his case goes beyond individual destiny. He is a symbol of the Kurdish people's decades-long struggle for freedom, self-determination and justice.

Together with our colleagues around the world, we call on the international community not to turn a blind eye to this situation. It is shameful that Western states and international organisations remain silent on this unlawful and inhumane situation.

We call on the European Union, the United Nations and all human rights organisations to finally take a clear stand and put pressure on the Turkish government to end this inhumane practice. It is time for Mr Öcalan to have his fundamental rights restored.

We demand the immediate lifting of the ban on meetings with his lawyers and regular visits to İmralı.

We demand justice and human rights for Mr Öcalan and all political prisoners and demand an end to all forms of isolation.

We demand the implementation of the right to hope for all political prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment in the Turkish criminal justice system.

We demand the immediate release of Mr Abdullah Öcalan.

KNK Co-Chair: The Kurdish people do not want conflict, they want peace

Speaking after, KNK (Kurdistan National Congress) Co-Chair Ahmet Karamus said the following:

Let us turn your valuable and majestic stance into the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan, the will of the Kurdish people. The isolation of the leader continues, let's break it. Let's turn this will into the will for a solution in four parts.

Here is our message to the Turkish state, Europe, America, NATO and the whole world: Mr Öcalan is the will of the Kurdish people. Mr Öcalan is ready to take on a role for peace and solution if appropriate conditions are provided. And he says ‘I have this power’. This will and power comes from your struggle and determination; it gives Mr Öcalan the power of leadership and solution.

The Kurdish people are ready for equality, democracy and peace. All four parts of Kurdistan are ready for both peace and resistance with all methods to achieve this goal. The Kurdish people continue the struggle with millions of will. Your resistance and determination strengthen this hope. A solution to the Middle East and the world will be achieved together. A solution is possible under the leadership of Mr Öcalan. If the Turkish state does not want to delay our people and waste time with deception, trickery and lies, it should know that our people have the will, project and means for a solution.


The Kurdish people have made a decision for a solution, for peace. I want to convey this message clearly to the whole world, especially to Europe, America, Russia and the UN. The Kurdish people do not want conflict, they want peace. If the Turkish state has a project for a solution, the Kurdish people are ready for it. This message must be clearly understood and accepted by all parties.

We are once again extending the hand of peace before the situation in the Middle East and the world worsens. Everyone must realise that our demand for peace is for a solution. For a century, the occupying states have wanted to leave the Kurdish question unresolved, but the Kurdish people do not accept this. You are demonstrating the existence of this people in all areas with great will and determination.

We call on all parties and institutions to strengthen the hand of Mr Öcalan. This is both the will of this people and yours. We call out to everyone who hears our voice. Let us raise our voices in the political, diplomatic and resistance fields. Now is the time for a solution. Let us fight together for peace and a solution.

Zübeyde Zümrüt: In this square, we have become one voice. Thousands of greetings to the resistance fighters in the mountains, to the youth, to the women, to all those who support this struggle with their stances, slogans and participation. Let the world see that thousands of people here are giving a message to the international powers with one voice: ‘My will is imprisoned in İmralı. We will be in the squares and fields until his physical freedom is realised.

We appeal to the CPT and the Council of Europe. Listen to these masses. Hear what the Kurdish people and the Kurds in Europe are saying! The message is the stance of the Kurdish people. The Kurdish people say clearly and unambiguously: ‘If there is to be a solution, it is only possible with Leader Öcalan. A solution is not possible without the Leader.’ Leader Öcalan has been imprisoned for 26 years. Our struggle will continue until the Kurdish people liberate him and the Kurdish problem is resolved. The freedom of Leader Öcalan is the freedom of the Middle East and the peoples. Long live Leader Öcalan!

Engin Sever: Those who have been involved in the conspiracy against Leader Öcalan for 26 years see this crowd. We are gathering around Leader Öcalan and shouting for his freedom. All our organisations in the 4 parts of Kurdistan and we in Europe as KCKD-E have once again announced: Leader Öcalan is our will and binds us all. November is the month of birth for the Kurdish people. Happy birthday! Our appeal to the German government: For 31 years you have been banning this people, their struggle and their values. But you have not achieved any results. The Kurdish people are united around your freedom movement and cry out for freedom. Revoke the 31-year ban, see this will. Long live Leader Öcalan!

Ayten Kaplan: Today we want to tell the German and European states that we are here and we want Öcalan's freedom... I want to say this to the masses: We are addressing the CPT, the forces of the international conspiracy and all European countries: We are all behind our Leader!

Our leader has been kept under heavy isolation for 26 years. European organisations are also responsible for this isolation. Germany has been banning the PKK for 30 years, trying to keep the Kurdish people under pressure with these bans targeting our identity and language. However, the Kurdish people want freedom and clearly show the address of the solution: Abdullah Öcalan is the interlocutor!

Ömer Öcalan: I brought Mr Öcalan's greetings. Mr Öcalan said to me ‘Wherever you go, convey my greetings’. He sent his special greetings to Kurds and their friends. There have been discussions on Mr Öcalan's message for days. Political parties, organisations and Kurdish institutions have said ‘the address is İmralı and we are behind this message’. They clearly stated that the Kurdish question should be solved by democratic means with Mr Öcalan.

Mr Öcalan stated that he could eliminate the conditions of conflict if the proper conditions arose. He said that he trusted his theoretical and political knowledge. We also trust him. As the Kurds, we are an oppressed people. Mr Öcalan is fighting for democracy and peace and his past experiences are in front of our eyes. The Oslo process and the İmralı process are examples. However, after these processes, unfortunately the Turkish state inflicted a lot of pain on our people.



With great morale, energy and power in prison, Mr Öcalan has expressed that the solution will be an honourable and democratic solution and that he is ready for it. We, as the people, must add strength to his power. This morale, energy and power is present in Mr Öcalan and it is our duty to support this power.

We must increase our struggle for democracy and peace. The will of our people is clear: We have to develop democratic politics. We must prevent the dirty war. We must strengthen our politics, unity and relations. The solution can be achieved not by writing with a red pen, but with sincerity, seriousness and interlocutors. Isolation cannot continue in an unlawful and illegal manner.

When I met Mr Öcalan, he said that Hamili Yıldırım, Ömer Hayri Konar and Veysi Aktaş were in good condition. Mr Öcalan always gave us morale. Even though he has been in prison for years, he has never once reflected a negative situation to us. He gave us all strength and hope.

Our burden is heavy, but we can only succeed if we come together with faith and unity. Our attitude and stance is clear: İmralı is the interlocutor. We say again that we are ready for a solution. We will do people's politics, democratic politics. We say no to elitism and bureaucratic politics. We want direct democracy and this democracy represents Mr Öcalan.

We will increase our struggle with great morale and a clear stance. Success is ours!

Representative of the Internationalist Block: For decades and despite all the pressures, the Kurdish Freedom Movement has repeatedly demonstrated its will for a just peace. Countless times it has emphasised that it is open to a genuine process. The PKK has unilaterally laid down its arms nine times. Abdullah Öcalan, despite being kept in isolation for nearly 26 years, has long been seeking a solution based on dialogue and democracy. A solution that can unite all the peoples of the Middle East.

Turkey, on the other hand, talks about peace, but its actions show the opposite. At the end of October, the fascist Turkish state further escalated its war against the Kurdish community in north-eastern Syria and Bashur (Southern Kurdistan). By bombing people and civilian infrastructure, it tried to completely destroy the basic right to life.

Two weeks ago, the Turkish state appointed trustees to three Kurdish municipalities. Kurdish society and especially the youth are resolutely resisting this undemocratic coup. The state responds with bans on press conferences, violence, repression and torture.

Turkey's peace proposals are nothing but hypocrisy. How can there be a peace in which young people are tortured, people are arrested and civilian villages are bombed? We want just peace. Öcalan can pave the way for this peace and ending his isolation is key to this. We therefore demand the physical freedom of Öcalan and a peaceful solution for all parts of Kurdistan.

The movement around Öcalan shows that the struggle against war and capitalism is possible even today. This movement proves that even a powerful NATO army cannot break the resistance of the peoples.

Our task as the German left is to fight against German imperialism and its war industry. It is to expose the interests of the German state and to make it clear that Germany has supported Turkey's genocidal policy with arms exports for decades.

Large companies such as Thyssen-Krupp, Airbus and Rheinmetall are directly profiting from the occupation of Kurdistan. Just last Wednesday, a deal worth 4 billion Euros for fighter jets was approved. Exactly 4 billion Euros!

However, the German state not only stands to gain economically. It also wants to secure important trade routes through these arms deals. German imperialism needs a brotherhood of arms with Turkey for its claims to power in the world.

Their interest in the repression of peoples is clearly visible in the latest deportation agreements with Erdoğan. Because it is the politically active Kurds who are to be deported en masse to Turkey. The German government is handing them over to the Turkish state. Our response is resistance in every country.

If here in Germany, as a leftist movement, we take to the streets against fascism and criticise racist immigration policies and German imperialism, while at the same time the youth of North Kurdistan resist tirelessly and fight with guerrilla weapons in the free mountains of Kurdistan, then we resist together against the same enemy.

We can be in different parts of the world, whether in Germany, Sudan, Palestine or Kurdistan. But in the end, as democratic forces, we are fighting against a common enemy. We fight together against all forms of oppression, militarism and state violence, but above all for life, liberty and a just peace!

We see in the Middle East - from the mountains to Kobanê – that the resistance continues.

Down with fascism, down with imperialism!

Long live the social revolution!

Long live the guerrilla resistance!

Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan!

Long live international solidarity!

Sajanthan Kethiswaran on behalf of the Tamil Freedom Movement: Dear friends and comrades. We are very happy and proud to be here today to demand the freedom of a great visionary, revolutionary, guerrilla, politician and philosopher. We are talking about the founder of the PKK, Abdullah Öcalan or Leader Apo.

Even the name of Abdullah Öcalan strikes fear in the rulers of the imperialist states. That is why they are trying to ban even the mention of his name. But we do not succumb to this, on the contrary, together with you we demand the freedom of this great man immediately; he has been unjustly imprisoned in Turkish prisons for nearly 26 years.

We have gathered here today to demand his freedom. In many places the Tamil Freedom movement is also taking part in this struggle. Your struggle is our struggle.

Today, at a historic moment when many peoples are fighting for their freedom, Abdullah Öcalan is an important key figure. Although the Turkish regime and its western allies deny it, the key to a just peace is in Imrali. On the other hand, the Turkish state is trying to exterminate the Kurdish people, launching air strikes and killing recklessly.

The German state supports this policy by criminalising the Kurdish people with 129b thought crimes, stigmatising us all as terrorists and making society fear us. But we are the ones who raise the banner of social progress and humanism. The politically conscious people of Tamil Eelam and its diaspora stand with you.

This is our historical similarity, which we share with the Palestinian people and with many other peoples. Let us build the international unity of oppressed peoples to fight for the freedom of our prisoners and brutally expose the impunity of the executioners who torture in the name of imperialism. Together we can achieve many things that we cannot yet see today, but every day we take one step forward. Victory is ours, it is only a matter of time.

We demand together with you: Freedom of Abdullah Öcalan! Freedom of all political prisoners in Kurdistan, Tamil Eelam and all over the world! The right of all peoples and all people to self-determination! Against fascism and imperialism! For a solidary world of plurality and diversity!

Demonstration in Cologne starts

Thousands of people are marching in Cologne demanding freedom for Abdullah Öcalan and a political solution to the Kurdish question. The participants call for the resumption of a dialogue process.


ANF
COLOGNE
Saturday, 16 November 2024,

The demonstration in Cologne under the slogan ‘Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan and a political solution to the Kurdish question’ has started. The event marks an important milestone in the international campaign ‘Freedom for Öcalan - A Political Solution to the Kurdish Question’, which was launched in October 2023 and recently joined by 69 Nobel Prize winners worldwide. Thousands of people from all over Germany and neighbouring countries have come to Cologne for the event and are marching from the Deutzer Werft through the city.

The demonstration is organised by KON-MED (Confederation of Kurdish Communities in Germany), the largest Kurdish umbrella organisation in Germany. Numerous organisations, parties and civil society structures have called for the demonstration. The participants are making an urgent appeal for the release of Abdullah Öcalan and the resumption of a dialogue process to resolve the decades-long conflict in Kurdistan through peace negotiations.



A joint appeal entitled ‘For a political solution to the Kurdish question – For a just peace: Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan now!’ stated: “The isolation of Abdullah Öcalan, who has been imprisoned on the prison island of Imrali for almost 26 years, is emblematic of political and social oppression in Turkey. An end to the isolation and the release of Abdullah Öcalan are crucial to the beginning of a just peace process. He remains the central figure for a dialogue on equal terms.”

The German Solidarity Network of the campaign for the release of Öcalan stated the following in a message about the demonstration: “The recent visit of the DEM member of parliament Ömer Öcalan to his uncle on Imrali, as well as signals from the Turkish government and nationalist parties, raise hopes for an end to the isolation and the policy of violence. At the same time, the suppression of human rights and democratic opposition in Turkey continues, while the war in Kurdistan, especially in Southern Kurdistan (Northern Iraq) and Rojava (Northern Syria), is causing immense suffering.”

The organisers are calling on people to support the demonstration in Cologne and to join together in sending a powerful signal for peace, justice and democracy. Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the rally. The first groups from Germany and across Europe began arriving in the early hours of the morning. Participants are arriving in numerous buses from France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland. According to the organisers, 140 buses have been rented from across Germany alone.

Ömer Öcalan arrives in Cologne and calls for participation in today's march

DEM MP Ömer Öcalan arrived in Cologne on Friday night and called for participation in the march that will take place today in the city to demand freedom of Abdullah Öcalan and a political solution to the Kurdish question.


ANF
COLOGNE
Saturday, 16 November 2024,

Ömer Öcalan, MP for the Party for Democracy and Equality (DEM Party), arrived in Cologne on Friday night. He called for participation in the march to be held today in the city to demand freedom for Abdullah Öcalan and a political solution to the Kurdish question.

"I am also here in Cologne. – he said - We will send a message to the whole world from here. This strong message must also reach the island of Imrali."


The Kurdish politician, whose uncle Abdullah Öcalan has been held in total isolation in the prison island of Imrali for over 25 years, said: "The Kurds are an innocent people who are fighting for peace. We are committed to a dignified peace and a political solution." The DEM Party MP appealed to the Kurds living in Europe and all people in solidarity to take part in the demonstration in Cologne and to contribute to the success of the event.

Visit to Abdullah Öcalan

Ömer Öcalan visited Abdullah Öcalan on 23 October in Imrali. He was able to speak to the Kurdish people’s leader for around an hour and a half. Before that visit, it was unclear for years what was going on the island. The last visit to the Kurdish people’s leader took place on 3 March 2020, and in March 2021 he had a short telephone conversation with his brother Mehmet Öcalan.

As Ömer Öcalan announced the day after his visit, Abdullah Öcalan was in good health and sent greetings to everyone. He assessed the general political developments and asked that the following message be conveyed on to the public: "Isolation continues. If the conditions are provided, I have the theoretical and practical strength to move this phase from an environment of conflict and violence to a legal and political environment."

Demonstration in Cologne

Dozens of Kurdish associations and numerous internationalist and democratic organizations have called for participation in the demonstration that will take place today in Cologne. The meeting time is at eleven o'clock at the Deutzer Werft, and, then led by a women's bloc, the march is scheduled to start at 12.30 p.m. Participants from Germany and other European countries are expected. Buses will travel to Cologne from all over Germany. The demonstration will go over the Severinsbrücke on the banks of the Rhine and past Heumarkt back over the Deutzer Brücke to the meeting point.

First group of participants arrives in Cologne

The first participants in the demonstration for the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan and a political solution to the Kurdish question arrived at the Deutzer Werft, in Cologne at dawn.


ANF
COLOGNE
Saturday, 16 November 2024,

The demonstration for the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan and a political solution to the Kurdish question will begin in Cologne in a few hours.

The first demonstrators arrived at the Deutzer Werft early in the morning. On the way to the opening rally, they chanted slogans and sung. They danced the Kurdish govend in front of the large stage still in the dark.


Dozens of Kurdish associations and numerous internationalist and democratic organizations have called for the demonstration. Participants in their thousands are expected from Germany, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland. Around 140 buses have been rented for a joint journey from Germany.

One of the invited speakers is the DEM MP Ömer Öcalan, who was able to visit his uncle Abdullah Öcalan on 23 October in the Turkish island prison Imrali after years of no contact.