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

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.

Young Yazidi man martyred in Turkish airstrike in Shengal

Shengal Autonomous Administration announced that a young man named Kerim Hecî Şero was martyred in today’s airstrike by the Turkish state.


ANF
SHENGAL
Sunday, 10 November 2024, 17:33

An unmanned aerial combat vehicle (UCAV) targeted a car in the Yazidi town of Shengal (Sinjar) in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq earlier today.

The driver of the car lost his life as a result of the attack while on his way to the Serdesht region.

The victim was identified as Kerim Hecî Şero, a young Yazidi man from the Zendini tribe. He came from the Tilizêr district and lived in the Sinûnê sub-district of Shengal.

The young man’s body was delivered from Sinûnê Hospital to Mosul Forensic Medicine for post-mortem examination.

Turkish attacks on Shengal ongoing since 2017

Under the pretext of "fighting the PKK", Turkish warplanes and drones have repeatedly carried out airstrikes on Shengal since 2017. The specific targets are mostly institutions that were founded in the wake of the ISIS genocide - such as the administrative body "Shengal Democratic Autonomous Council" (MXDŞ) or the self-defence units YBŞ and YJŞ. The victims are mainly people from the civilian population - often survivors of the 2014 genocide.

In a wave of attacks by warplanes and UCAVs, the Turkish state bombed a total of 16 points in Shengal on 24-25 October, killing six fighters of the Shengal Resistance Units (YBŞ).

On 8 July, the vehicle of journalists who went to Til Qeseb town of Shengal to conduct interviews on the 10th anniversary of the 3 August 2014 genocide was attacked in the centre of Shengal on their way back. Çira TV reporter Medya Hasan Kemal, Çira FM reporter Murat Mirza Ibrahim and vehicle driver Xelef Xidir, along with 3 other people who were at the scene, were injured in the attack.

Another Turkish aerial attack on 8 March killed Mecdel Hesen Xelef, a commander of Shengal Resistance Units (YBŞ) and survivor of the ISIS genocide in 2014. The drone bombed a checkpoint near Til Êzêr where he was working. He was 32 years old and left behind a wife and son.

A few days earlier, civilian Sadun Mirza Ali had been killed by a Turkish drone in Shengal. The man was the father of three children and worked as a driver for the autonomous administration's committee for the martyrs. At the end of December, five workers from Rojava were killed in a drone attack in Shengal.

Attacks in violation of international law on an almost daily basis

The Yazidi settlement area Shengal in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq is the last contiguous settlement area of the Yazidi community. Thousands of Yazidis were murdered and thousands of women and children were taken prisoner in the 3 August 2014 onslaught on Shengal by ISIS militants. While ISIS gangs began murdering Yazidis in Shengal, the Peshmerga left, leaving the Yazidis behind, unprotected. The guerrillas of HPG (People’s Defense Forces) and YJA Star (Free Women’s Troops) and fighters of the YPG (People’s Defense Units) and YPJ (Women’s Defense Units) came to the Yazidi people's aid in the face of ISIS aggression. Thanks to a months-long selfless struggle, the city was liberated on 13 November 2015. After the liberation of the city, the HPG and YPG/YPJ subsequently withdrew in 2017. People who returned to their land after Shengal's independence reformed, established defensive units and built their institutions.

The Turkish state, which has been frustrated by the liberation of Shengal and the military and political organization of the Yazidi community after ISIS' genocidal attack in 2014, has been attacking Shengal for seven years. Attacks by Turkey that violate international law have been routine in southern Kurdistan for years. The Turkish air force bombs the territory of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq on an almost daily basis, especially where guerrillas are suspected. However, civilian settlement areas are also regularly attacked by the Turkish army, including the Yazidi settlement area of Shengal and the Maxmur refugee camp. With its aerial terror, Ankara is pursuing a targeted policy of displacement - in particular by deliberately destroying civilian infrastructure.

SYRIAN KURDISTAN

‘Operation Enduring Security’ in al-Hol Camp and its vicinity launched

Internal Security Forces, YPJ and SDF reaffirm their determination to ensure the success of the operation and strengthen the fight against ISIS to protect the region from attempts to undermine security and stability.


ANF
NEWS DESK
Wednesday, 6 November 2024

The Internal Security Forces, Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launched ‘Operation Enduring Security’ to search the Hol camp and its surroundings. The operation aims to pursue ISIS remnants and collaborators within the camp and secure the rural areas near the camp.

A press statement was made in Hol Camp regarding the operation. YPJ Press Officer Rûken Cemal and Internal Security Forces Management Member Qehreman Murad read the statement in Kurdish and Arabic, which said the following:

“Over the past year, ISIS terrorist cells have intensified attacks and movements in and around the al-Hol camp, particularly in the southern and northern countryside of Hol town. These cells have carried out numerous terrorist attacks against the camp IDPs and security forces and planned other attacks that were thwarted and their operatives were captured.

In response, our forces have conducted more intensive preemptive operations and sustained pressure on ISIS terrorist cells. This has yielded significant results, including the elimination of many cells and their leaders, and the prevention of attacks on security and stability, as well as on the people and the military and security forces.

Given the importance of the Hol camp and ISIS prisons, which hold ISIS detainees, ISIS has repeatedly attempted to reach the camp and mobilize its cells. The desert and remote areas in the countryside of Hol and Shaddadi have served as a hub for terrorist operations and the planning of attacks on camps and prisons. This has coincided with the movements of terrorist cells in and around the camp, as well as multiple escape attempts and efforts to sow chaos within certain sectors of the camp to distract the security forces responsible for its security.

With the world’s attention focused on multiple wars in the Middle East, the possibility of ISIS resurgence remains a real threat, especially in remote areas where ISIS often resorts to planning attacks on prisons and camps. ISIS’ goal is to reunite its elements with their families and revive their terrorist acts. This year has witnessed numerous attempts by ISIS to reach the Hol camp and prisons holding ISIS detainees in north and eastern Syria, which ISIS considers crucial strategic targets that are fueled by its propaganda.

In response to this threat, our forces, who have demonstrated professionalism and dedication in countering the plans of ISIS terrorist cells, remain committed to pursuing ISIS and eradicating the sources of terrorism.

As a continuation of our ongoing struggle, and with the support and assistance of the international coalition forces, we announce today the launch of Operation Enduring Security to search the Hol camp and its surroundings. The operation aims to pursue ISIS remnants and collaborators within the camp and secure the rural areas near the camp.

This operation is based on information and confessions obtained from ISIS elements captured during previous operations, which indicate the resurgence of terrorist cell activity in desert areas and their planning of attacks. The treacherous attack on an Internal Security Forces patrol on the Hol-Shaddadi road on September 26, which resulted in the martyrdom of three members, serves as a stark reminder that ISIS terrorism continues to pose a threat to the region, and the necessary to initiate a large-scale operation to pursue and eliminate terrorist cells.

On this basis, the forces of Operation Enduring Security, comprising the Internal Security Forces, Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) reaffirm their determination to ensure the success of the operation and strengthen the fight against ISIS to protect the region from attempts to undermine security and stability.”

Turkey, the Kurds and the PKK

Burak Ünveren1

DW

The PKK has claimed responsibility for an attack on a defense company in Ankara in which five people were killed. Who is the PKK and what do they strive for?

Image: Alain Pitton/Imago Images

The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has claimed responsibility for the attack on the Turkish defense company TUSAS in Ankara, according to the Kurdish news agency ANF.

The report states that the "Immortal Battalion," an autonomous unit of the PKK's military arm, was responsible for the attack, which was carried out in response to Turkish "massacres" and other actions in Kurdish regions.

The attack took place shortly after an advance on the possible release of PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan under the condition that his organization disarms. The PKK denies any links between this and to the attack.

Who is the PKK and what are their aims?

The latest attack might have thwarted attempts to release PKK-founder Abdullah Ocalan after years of prison in return for disarming the PKKImage: Christoph Hardt/Panama Pictures/picture alliance

The origins of the PKK

In Turkey, social tensions between Turks and Kurds have been an issue for decades.

Kurds have been demanding more cultural and political rights from the centrally organized Turkish state, while Ankara often frames such demands as a threat to national stability.

Kurds make up around 20% of Turkey's population. While they live all over the country, the largest communities are concentrated in the southeast. Kurdish groups also live in the neighboring states of Syria, Iraq and Iran.

In Iraq, the Kurds hold a semi-autonomous status in the Autonomous Region of Kurdistan, while in northeastern Syria some areas are under the control of the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

Within Turkey, two main actors seek to represent the interests of the Kurds: The Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party, or DEM — the third largest party in parliament — and the PKK. The DEM Party is committed to a peaceful, political solution whereas the originally Marxist-Leninist PKK is armed, and its members have engaged in guerrilla tactics.

Abdullah Ocalan is said to control the PKK from behind barsImage: Mustafa Abadan/AA/picture alliance

What are the PKK's aims?

Founded in 1978, the PKK's original aim was to establish an independent Kurdish state. However, since 1984, the PKK has been engaged in an armed conflict with the Turkish state.

According to several political scientists, this conflict is considered a low-intensity war. It has claimed up to 40,000 civilian and military victims on both sides. The PKK is classified as a terrorist organization in the USA and the EU.

Since 1995, the organization has been striving for autonomy and cultural rights for Kurds within Turkey and has given up its demand for independence in favour of a system of self-government.

The PKK is believed to have 60,000 members, including active fighters, supporters and sympathizers.

The Kandil Mountains in northern Iraq are its main base of operations, where it organizes militant campaigns and logistics. Turkey regularly bombs positions of Kurdish groups in Iraq and Syria.

Criminalization of Kurdish politics

Over the last ten years, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Justice and Development Party (AKP), has increasingly criminalized Kurdish politics in Turkey.

The DEM Party and other factions have been associated with the PKK, although the DEM Party officially advocates a peaceful solution and distances itself from the PKK.

Many Kurdish politicians, including the former chairman of the People's Democratic Party, or HDP, Selahattin Demirtas, have been jailed on terrorism charges.

While some HDP members have family ties to the PKK, such as Omer Ocalan, the nephew of PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan, the HDP has asserted that such connections are individual and do not reflect its policies.

PKK founder Ocalan has been held in prison since 1999.

The same year, he was sentenced to death for high treason. However, before the sentence was carried out, Turkey abolished the death penalty and Ocalan's sentence was converted to life imprisonment in 2002.

He continues to exert influence on the organization from behind bars.

While the victims of the latest PKK attack were buried, Turkey's army targeted Kurdish facilities in Iraq and Syria

Image: Adem Altan/AFP

Is peace on the horizon?

In the past, multiple efforts have been made to create peace.

In the first years of the AKP government in particular, Kurds were given new rights, including educational opportunities in their mother tongue and Kurdish-language state media.

However, lasting peace remains the horizon.

Earlier this month, the far-right Nationalist Movement Party leader Devlet Bahceli surprised everyone by shaking hands with representatives of the pro-Kurdish DEM Party in parliament. He later described this as "perfectly normal for a party of unity in Turkey."

Bahceli, who is considered an important ally of Erdogan in the governing alliance with the AKP, appealed to Ocalan on October 15 to persuade the PKK to give up their weapons. On October 22, he called on Ocalan to announce the dissolution of the PKK in parliament.

On October 24, Ocalan replied from prison: "I have the theoretical and practical power to (transform) this process from one grounded in conflict and violence to one that is grounded on law and politics."

The PKK is said to have around 60,000 members, among them supporters, activists and combat soldiers

Image: Yann Renoult/Wostok Press/MAXPPP/picture alliance

What is behind this?

According to experts, regional developments have influenced Turkey's change of course on the Kurdish issue. But, political scientist Sezin Oney sees "no real peace initiative" in these steps. "The main aim is to minimize the threat posed by armed groups such as the PKK," she told DW.

Oney also stresses Turkey's current economic restrictions: "Turkey has neither the political nor the economic basis to finance a new war," she said.

Political scientist Eren Aksoyoglu, a former parliamentary advisor, agrees. "Turkey sees the Israel-Hamas war as a threat and against this backdrop, the government wants to integrate the Kurdish movement into 'Greater Turkey' and bring all internal actors under control," he told DW.

An AKP politician, who wishes to remain anonymous, confirmed that the geopolitical situation is forcing Turkey to strive for a unified domestic policy and resolve conflicts within the country.

This applies not only to the Kurdish question, but also to other domestic political tensions.

However, just one day after Bahceli's appeal, Ankara was shaken by the attack on the TUSAS defense factory, which has led to further strikes on Kurdish areas abroad. Many in the Turkish public see the attack as an attempt to undermine the peace efforts.

Berrak Güngör and Kayhan Ayhan contributed to this article, which originally appeared in German.


Burak Ünveren Multimedia editor with a focus on Turkish foreign policy and German-Turkish relations.

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‘Freedom for Öcalan, Autonomy for Shengal’ campaign  one year later

As part of the campaign led by the Shengal Autonomous Administration and the Free Yazidi Women's Movement (TAJÊ), Yazidis and Arabs living in Shengal expressed their demands through various actions and events.


ANF
SHENGAL
Monday, 21 October 2024

The ‘Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan and Autonomy for Shengal’ campaign has left one year behind.

Within the framework of the campaign that started on 21 October 2023, Yazidis and Arabs living in Shengal (Sinjar) expressed their demands through various actions and events.

As part of the campaign led by the Shengal Autonomous Administration and the Free Yazidi Women's Movement (TAJÊ), a tent action was launched on 25 October 2023 under the leadership of the Shengal Arab Councils.

On 28 October, Arab women staged a march to express their demands for the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan and the autonomy of Shengal.

On 11 December, the Young Women's Union of Shengal and the Êzidxan Youth Union supported the campaign by setting up a book stand with the slogan ‘Read Leader Öcalan's Books, Know Yourself’.

Within the framework of the initiative, which continued uninterruptedly in 2024, marches, workshops, seminars, panels and reading events were organised and the demands for the physical freedom of Abdullah Öcalan and the autonomy of Shengal were expressed. The events organised in this process brought support to the Yazidi struggle through participation from different segments of society.

The campaign continues with determination in order to bring the demands of the people of Shengal to the international arena and to call for freedom for Abdullah Öcalan and status for Shengal.

The Yazidi settlement area Shengal (Sinjar) in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq is the last contiguous settlement area of the Yazidi community. Thousands of Yazidis were murdered and thousands of women and children were taken prisoner in the 3 August 2014 onslaught on Shengal by ISIS militants. While ISIS gangs began murdering Yazidis in Shengal, the Peshmerga left, leaving the Yazidis behind, unprotected. The guerrillas of HPG (People’s Defense Forces) and YJA Star (Free Women’s Troops) and fighters of the YPG (People’s Defense Units) and YPJ (Women’s Defense Units) came to the Yazidi people's aid in the face of ISIS aggression. Thanks to a months-long selfless struggle, the city was liberated on 13 November 2015. After the liberation of the city, the HPG/YJA Star and YPG/YPJ subsequently withdrew in 2017. People who returned to their land after Shengal's independence reformed, established defensive units and built their institutions.

People of Raqqa celebrate the 7th year of freedom

At the celebration of the 7th anniversary of the liberation of Raqqa from ISIS gangs, Hisên Osman, Co-Chair of the Democratic Peoples' Assembly, said, “The Autonomous Administration draws its strength from the unity and support of the peoples.”


ANF
RAQQA
Sunday, 20 October 2024, 18:27

Raqqa was liberated from ISIS occupation 7 years ago. People's Defence Units (YPG), Women's Defence Units (YPJ) and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced on 20 October 2017 that they completely liberated the city, known as the capital of ISIS, from ISIS.

This important day was celebrated today with the slogan ‘We liberated our city in the spirit of our martyrs; we will continue our struggle until we destroy the occupation and achieve full freedom’.

For the celebration to commemorate this historic victory, the Municipal Stadium in Raqqa was decorated with posters of martyrs and flags of the SDF, YPG, YPJ, HPC and Internal Security Forces. The celebration was attended by Sîham Qeryo, Co-Chair of the Democratic Peoples Assembly of North and East Syria, Gabrîel Şemûn, Co-Chair of the Executive Council, Hisên Osman, Co-Chair of the Autonomous Administration Council, tribal leaders and opinion leaders, as well as representatives of the Future of Syria Party, Zenûbiya Women's Community, Raqqa Military Council and many people from the canton.

During the celebration, which started with a minute of silence, Hisên Osman, Co-Chair of the Democratic Peoples' Assembly of Nort and East Syria, addressed the crowd. Osman congratulated the 7th anniversary of the liberation of Raqqa and said, “This victory was won with the determination and free will of the people of North and East Syria and the SDF fighters. The fighters have become a symbol of resistance all over the world with their great struggle and sacrifice in this liberation operation.”

Osman emphasised that the Democratic Autonomous Administration is determined to protect the gains of the region and destroy the mercenary cells and said, “The Autonomous Administration draws its strength from the unity and support of the peoples. Social honour based on the principles of democratic nation and brotherhood of peoples is our common destiny. We will continue to develop our city, strengthen its security and protect its free identity.”

Osman thanked the people of Raqqa and added: “Our people joined the reconstruction work by uniting around the Autonomous Administration and gave great support.”

The celebration continued with speeches on behalf of the Zenubiya Women's Community and the Raqqa Military Council, and various cultural and artistic events.

Seven years ago, the liberation of Raqqa

Seven years ago, Raqqa was liberated from the hands of the Islamic State by the SDF and YPJ. A new life was built step by step on the ruins of the "capital of terror".


ANF
RAQQA
Sunday, 20 October 2024

Raqqa was the capital of the "ISIS caliphate" in Syria. Seven years ago, the jihadists' reign of terror collapsed. After a months-long and costly offensive to liberate the city, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) raised their flags in Raqqa's stadium on 17 October 2017. The stadium was one of the terrorist militia's last strongholds: public executions and torture were carried out there. Two days later, the YPJ (Women's Defense Units), whose fighters had led the "Battle of Raqqa", announced the complete expulsion of ISIS in Al-Naim Square. But the jihadists left behind a devastated, mined city and a severely traumatized population.



The administration of the liberated Raqqa was handed over to a civil council. The body made Raqqa a diverse, multi-identity and multi-religious city again after almost four years of ISIS rule. In an interview with the Mezopotamya (MA) news agency, activist Emine Omar from the Women's Committee of the Autonomous Administration of Northern and Eastern Syria spoke about the years of reconstruction in Raqqa and what has changed in the lives of women as a result of this process.

Omar said: "Raqqa was of great strategic importance to the Islamic State. That is why it became the 'capital' of the ‘Caliphate’. Terror and attacks were part of everyday life and Raqqa quickly turned into a colorless and lifeless city. Both men and women wore black clothes. Women were forced to wear the hijab. It was not clear who was underneath this clothing. The aim was to deprive women of any identity."



Omar spoke about the controls on women by the ISIS's self-appointed morality police, the so-called Hisbah, and said: "On the street, women had no colour. Everything was black. Women were forced to marry ISIS mercenaries. Women who refused were punished. Universities and schools suddenly ceased to exist."

Omar described the destruction caused by ISIS in Raqqa: "The extent of the destruction caused in the more than three years of terror was unbelievable. When the self-government liberated the city, it had to deal with this devastation. It began to soothe the wounds from the ground up. Because ISIS had infiltrated every area of ​​life. When Raqqa was liberated, the women made their victory clear by tearing off their black chadors. That was a symbolic moment. After the liberation, Raqqa shone again in the colors of life. Above all, Arab women who experienced and were subjected to the oppression of ISIS are now spreading the revolutionary understanding of Autonomous Administration. They are committed to defending women's rights in administrative structures and organizations and have founded a women's committee. Raqqa was once called the 'city of death'. But the struggle that the women of Raqqa waged after the liberation contributed significantly to breaking the fear of ISIS here."



Today, Raqqa is being rebuilt according to the paradigm of the Democratic Nation, added Emine Omar. The three core elements are democracy, women's liberation and social ecology. The practical reality of this theory and the dream of a revolution in which women are free and none of them are enslaved has led to great change in Raqqa. As a result, many women who fled the city under ISIS rule have returned to Raqqa. "With the Rojava revolution, women recognized themselves," says Omar, adding: "They took this self-awareness everywhere in their leadership role in the revolution, in their struggle and their organization, and thus also in the reconstruction of Raqqa. Today, women take their rights as a basis in all areas. Assyrian, Arab and Kurdish women founded their own organizations. These organizations are based on women's rights. The apoist philosophy of 'Jin Jiyan Azadî' has spread all over the world as the slogan of the women's revolution. That was a very important example. But the fight against the ISIS threat remains a key challenge - for us women, for Raqqa and for the entire autonomous region."

PKK/YPJ LEADER OCALAN

TURKISH POLITICAL PRISONER

Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan Campaign: Global Days were a resounding success

The Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan: A Political Solution to the Kurdish Question campaign, thanked all participants in the Free Öcalan: Global Days.


ANF
NEWS DESK
Saturday, 19 October 2024

The Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan: A Political Solution to the Kurdish Question campaign, issued a statement to thank all those who participated in the Free Öcalan: Global Days earlier this month from October 1st to the 10th.

The campaign committee said: "After reviewing the results, we can confidently say that it was a resounding success!

During those ten days, over 250 events were held in 50 countries around the world, involving the participation of tens of thousands of people."

The statement added that "in European capital cities we saw seminars on democratic confederalism in Italy and Switzerland, activities by trade unions in Spain, Catalunya, Basque Country, the UK and Scotland, parliamentary questions in Germany and Spain, women’s marches in over 20 countries, demonstrations in front of the EU Parliament in Brussels, press conferences in different national parliaments and international institutions, protests in London’s Trafalgar Square, and rallies in the “birthplace of democracy” of Athens.

There were also public meetings in Vienna and Copenhagen; seminars on social ecology and jineology in The Hague and Berlin; informational tents in Hamburg, Duisburg, and Stockholm; and govend-dancing from Darmstadt to Liverpool. Meanwhile, Kurdish Revolutionary Youth marched through the UK and Catalunya, Kurdish cultural groups held a procession through the middle of Amsterdam, and Lucerne formed a human chain stretching throughout the local park. In Italy, there were banners in Marzabotto and Bari, photo exhibits and interpretative dances in Milan and 9 other cities, and meetings with the local government in Montopolis di Sabina."

The statement also underlined that "the graphic novel ‘Freedom Shall Prevail: The Struggle of Abdullah Öcalan and the Kurdish People’ was launched in the UK; the film ‘History of Fire’ was screened by the Arin Mirkan Women’s Council in Switzerland; and the Kurdish People’s Assembly brought together Kurdish parties from across the four regions of Kurdistan (KNK, MSD, Gorran etc.) under the headline: “Let’s tear down the walls of Imrali with our organizational power!”

From South African supporters holding events in Johannesburg and Cape Town, to twenty new billboards of Öcalan’s face going up around Berlin as part of Ali Zülfikar’s new art exhibit, to the Jineology network singing with a local chorus at the train station in Marseille—our message was loud and clear, that we will not be silent as long as the illegal isolation on Imrali Island continues."

That message, said the organizing committee, "was further endorsed by all the autonomous regions (Basque, Catalunya etc.) trade unions, and was shouted and spoken about in events in varied places such as Andalucia, Galicia, Catalunya, Madrid, St. Gallen, Liège, Edinburgh, Oslo, Stockholm, Helsinki, Frankfurt, and Geneva. With one local CDK co-chair summarizing our position by announcing: “We will be in the streets until our Leader is free!”

But this message was not just limited to Europe, as large rallies were held in Qamislo, Rojava, and a historic one was held in the center of Amed in Northern Kurdistan, which featured members of the DEM party standing shoulder to shoulder with Öcalan’s brother’s Mehmet and his lawyers, who have not spoken to him in 3.5 and 5 years respectively. Such pressure also caused hundreds of lawyers in Turkey to march in front of the Turkish Constitutional Court in Ankara, with a banner asking them to: Apply the Law on Imrali, End the Isolation."

As part of the Global Days, the campaign also launched a global ‘tweet storm’ under the hashtag of #FreeAbdullahÖcalan, which was soon trending across the world with over 25,000 posts in English, German, Kurdish, and Turkish.

Moreover, a new documentary titled ‘Abdullah Öcalan: Life & Legacy’, was released and watched over 20,000 times in English on our X / twitter page, and 16,000 times in German on our campaign’s YouTube channel.

The statement added: "From Finland to Mexico, Indonesia to Ireland, and Cyprus to Australia, those who believe in Öcalan’s philosophy chanted, “His freedom is our freedom!”, while a diverse assortment of student groups, women’s organizations, trade unions, artist collectives, and political parties joined forces to show the regime in Turkey that they cannot imprison his ideas on human liberation, which continue to transcend all of Imrali Island’s barriers.

Furthermore, 1,524 attorneys from 35 countries around the world signed a petition calling for action to secure Öcalan’s freedom. On behalf of the signatories, a press conference was held in Brussels by representatives from the Association for Democracy and International Law (MAF-DAD), the Brussels Bar Association, the Brussels Bar Institute for Human Rights, the European Lawyers’ Association for Democracy and World Human Rights (ELDH), and the European Democratic Lawyers (AED).

That petition was a prelude to the 1507th meeting by the Committee of Ministers (CoM) of the Council of Europe (CoE) from 17-19 September 2024. As part of their monitoring the implementation of European Court of Human Rights’ rulings, the CoM finally addressed Turkey’s continued refusal to enact the Court’s 2014 decisions regarding life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, where Ankara is in breach of the ‘Right to Hope’ principle. By not allowing Öcalan the ability for release after 25 years, Turkey is in violation of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which prohibits inhuman and degrading treatment. For their part, the CoM expressed deep concern over the lack of progress and urged Turkey to act, while announcing that they would review the matter in September 2025 and instructed the Secretariat to draft an interim resolution if no changes are made. And although this was a positive sign, we believe their response is insufficient, as it amounts to permission for Turkey to continue its inhumane and illegal actions of both internal and domestic law for one year more."

The statement continued: "Nevertheless, we will remain steadfast in our knowledge that we are on the right side of history. Abdullah Öcalan has not given up despite a quarter-century on a prison island, so we refuse to abandon his mission and will continue to stand with him! As Öcalan himself stated, “Our struggle is not only for the liberation of the Kurdish people, but the liberation of the humanity of the world. The loftiness of the Kurdish people will, in the final analysis, mean the loftiness of the world’s humanity too.”

And it is under that hopeful message that our campaign to end his isolation and bring about his freedom so that he can ne

Eleonora Bonaccorsi: Öcalan is a reality, we must fight for his freedom

Eleonora Bonaccorsi, President of the Fonti di Pace Association of Italy, said that the Imrali torture system is a terrible injustice, and added: "This isolation is unprecedented in the world. Öcalan is a reality, we must fight for his freedom."


ANF
MILAN
Saturday, 19 October 2024, 09:55

44 months have passed without any news from Abdullah Öcalan. The Kurdish people’s leader has been held in severe isolation conditions in the Imrali torture system since 1999. His rights to see a lawyer and family have been denied as a whole, engulfed in a state of absolute lack of communication. The 'Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan, Political Solution to the Kurdish Question' international campaign was launched globally on 10 October 2023, and continues to mobilize to demand freedom for the Kurdish people’s leader.

One of the supporters of the global freedom campaign is the Italian NGO Fonti di Pace. The association’s president, Eleonora Bonaccorsi, spoke to the ANF about the İmralı torture system and the importance of Abdullah Öcalan’s ideas.

‘Imrali isolation is unparalleled in the world’

Eleonora Bonaccorsi, said the conditions in which Öcalan is in are "horrific and unprecedented" and added: "This isolation cannot be explained by any law."

Bonaccorsi said: "We are all responsible for the conditions in which Abdullah Öcalan is in. Italy is particularly responsible for it and must face this responsibility. Öcalan was in Italy; he was taken prisoner after being forced to leave. Although Italy does not accept this responsibility, we are aware of what happened."

Bonaccorsi continued: "We are following the conditions in which Öcalan is kept very closely. I have attended many meetings in the European Parliament to discuss this issue and to mobilize civil society movements. We have a responsibility to explain the lawlessness that Öcalan is facing everywhere. We, as a people, have expressed our opposition to this isolation, but the European authorities prefer to remain silent. The reason for this silence is that they do not want to harm their relations with Erdoğan."

‘We are trying to implement Öcalan’s ideas’

Bonaccorsi said that "the paradigm put forward by Abdullah Öcalan is truly very advanced. He deeply addresses many of the problems experienced today and offers an alternative and solution with the ideas he puts forward. We strongly defend Öcalan’s paradigm and try to implement it.

We also economically support projects that spread Öcalan’s paradigm and try to implement it. We stand in solidarity with everyone who implements Öcalan’s ideas both in Europe and Kurdistan, because we believe that this paradigm must be defended."

‘We must continue to fight for Öcalan’s freedom’

Bonaccorsi said: "Öcalan is a reality. We cannot close our eyes to the conditions Öcalan is in and ignore the unlawfulness that is taking place. Therefore, we must continue to fight until we achieve his freedom."

Award-winning author Wilson: Abdullah Öcalan's leadership sends important messages to the world

Comics are on the rise and are becoming more sophisticated. It's a great time for comic artists, said Sean Wilson, author of the graphic novel "Abdullah Öcalan. An illustrated biography".


HIKMET ERDEN/NEJLA ARİ
LONDON
Thursday, 17 October 2024

Scottish author Sean Wilson has published 45 comics so far and, in his work, has dealt with figures such as Jeremy Corbyn, Noam Chomsky, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, among others. Three years ago, at the presentation of the comic book "Fight the Power!" in London, he met Estella Schmid, who has been working for Peace in Kurdistan for forty years. This meeting led him to write a graphic novel about the life of Abdullah Öcalan.

The comic book, written by Wilson, was illustrated by Keko, a Kurdish cartoonist living in Spain, and has been published in several languages. The German version was published by Unrast Verlag under the title "Abdullah Öcalan. An illustrated biography" and presented in Berlin on the occasion of Öcalan's 75th birthday in April. The English edition is called “Freedom shall prevail” and was presented as part of the Global Free Öcalan Days by Sean Wilson and Reimar Heider from the International Initiative Edition in Cambridge and London.

ANF spoke to Sean Wilson at the presentation in London.

The book has been translated into many languages ​​and presented in several countries. What kind of reactions do you get, for example, from people who hear about Abdullah Öcalan for the first time?

A British anarchist was here earlier. He said he came to the event specifically because of this book. I couldn't discover how he found out about the book. There was also another guy from Iran who had somehow heard about the book. I got mostly positive reactions. Some said: why a comic? Because when they think of comics, they think of humor.

The interesting thing about this situation is that there is nothing new in terms of the general approach. Nowadays, complex comics are called "graphic novels" and there are many graphic novels that deal with various topics. For example, history, medicine, psychology, climate issues. Almost everything that can be called an interesting and difficult topic has already had a comic written about it. So it is a very established genre.

The special thing about this project is that it is the first book on this topic. And that's great because, while many art forms are declining, comics are on the rise and are becoming more deep and sophisticated. It's a great time to be a comic artist.


Comics are very new to Kurdistan...

The new generation doesn't read many books. Comic books are more used and are an important tool to reach the younger generation. And now this comic has become a textbook for children in Rojava. I think today's generation can get to know the Kurdish movement and Abdullah Öcalan better in this way.

Various studies at universities around the world have shown how people who are presented with a pure textbook, a magazine or a comic can absorb information more easily from a comic and - this is very important - remember it better. There is no point in getting information if you can't remember it. It is now very clear that graphic novels are a very good art form for presenting and remembering complex topics.

Also, a 17-year-old who is presented with a text of two or three hundred pages is usually intimidated. But if you present the same thing in a comic format, he immediately thinks, "Oh, that's interesting." This removes a psychological barrier to learning, and that's a very important point.

Why were you interested in Kurdistan, and why did you choose Abdullah Öcalan? Why did you get involved in this project?

When the idea came up, I started to find out about Öcalan, because up until then I knew almost nothing. And when I learned something about the Kurdish struggle, I immediately saw that it interested me, because it is about people who are trying to build a democratic society. The Kurds are also very gentle, they thanked me for writing such a book. That brought me closer to the struggle of the Kurdish people.

A very important point was also that this movement corresponds to my political views. I have an anti-capitalist and almost anarchist philosophy and I think democratic confederalism is a very good way to achieve a really better society.

As to Abdullah Öcalan, there are two things that are widely known: his personal pain, his personal struggle, but perhaps more importantly, the fact that he did not turn this democratic cause into a dictatorship or an oppressive structure, as many people have done throughout history. This is extremely important. This is true of the Communards in the 19th century, the Spanish in the 20th century, or the Kurdish people today. In trying to establish a truly democratic system, it must not turn into a dictatorship. And Öcalan seems to understand this and wants it to remain democratic. This is an important message to the world.

What impressed you most about his life?

The beginning of the book is about Abdullah Öcalan's childhood. We go back to his childhood and see how his childhood experiences are reflected in his current paradigm and philosophy. The experiences he had with other children at the age of seven led him to develop a strategy. And he is incorporating this strategy, which was born out of disputes between Kurdish children, into the struggle in the future. He has experience in people's lives, and that is how democratic confederalism was formed. You can see how he has incorporated his experiences into this paradigm.

Also, Abdullah Öcalan's experiences with violence and the oppression of women in his childhood were a basis for shaping the women's liberation struggle in the future. This is very impressive and can be recreated in the comic. You feel as if you are experiencing it yourself.

Do you think his ideas can solve the deadlocked conflicts, war and violence in the Middle East?

Yes, I think there are two points here. If we ask: "Are Abdullah Öcalan's ideas useful and practical?" then absolutely yes. But if we ask: "Will these ideas be able to be implemented?" then probably not. Because for the last 200 years, every movement that has tried to create a better system than capitalism, there has always been a powerful group that has come and blocked you, not just blocked you, but shot you. So the challenge is not whether the ideas are feasible, but whether you should give them a chance.

Those are two completely different points. I think that these ideas are feasible, and that is very important, because most people in Britain, in Turkey, in the world, believe that there is no feasible alternative to capitalism. That is wrong. There is such a space. We can create it. We can build that space. But there are powerful groups that don't want us to try. That is the difficulty. If we can overcome that obstacle, we can make these ideas a reality.

There is no information about Abdullah Öcalan and people all over the world are taking to the streets for his freedom.

Abdullah Öcalan must be released. When people talk about Abdullah Öcalan, they always make a connection with Nelson Mandela. His release is not completely impossible. However, I think Abdullah Öcalan himself would say that the freedom of the Kurdish people is more important than his own freedom. But these two things are connected.

1649452211.rsc.cdn77.org/20241009094011_2024-10-09-londra-sean-michael-wilson-iskoc-yazar-ocalanin-liderligi-dunyaya-onemli-bir-mesaj-1.mp4

Heider: It is important to reach out to peoples other than Kurds to ensure Öcalan's freedom

Reimar Heider from the International Initiative for the Freedom of Abdullah Öcalan said: “Isolation can only be broken through struggle. For the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan, it is necessary to reach out to peoples other than Kurds.”


HİKMET ERDEN / NEJLA ARİ
LONDON
Tuesday, 15 October 2024, 15:08

Reimer Heider, the project editor of the graphic novel ‘Freedom Shall Prevail: The Struggle of Abdullah Öcalan and the Kurdish People’ said that in a world where fascism is on the rise and wars are raging, peoples see Abdullah Öcalan as a hope for revolution with his ideas. According to Heider, what makes Abdullah Öcalan different is not only his struggle and resistance against ISIS and Turkish state colonialism, but also the fact that he has ideas that transcend all these.

The promotion meetings of the graphic novel ‘Freedom Shall Prevail: The Struggle of Abdullah Öcalan and the Kurdish People’ continue. The award-winning author of the book is Sean Michael Wilson from Scotland and the Project Editor is Reimar Heider of the International Initiative for the Freedom of Abdullah Öcalan.

Speaking to ANF, Reimar Heider said that the interest in the book's promotional meetings was very good and added: “It is especially important that this book reaches the reader in the form of a graphic novel, with an artistic presentation. The fact that both Abdullah Öcalan's life and a part of the Kurdish freedom struggle are illustrated makes it palpable. This is the main difference of this book.”

Reimar Heider commented on the fact that it was a first for the Kurds to reflect a political story as a graphic novel and said, “Of course, we have previously published a book on the life of the Kurdish People's Leader by translating it into different languages. We edited it. But this one tells it from a slightly different perspective. It is not a book that is difficult to read. It describes the struggle in a language that is more understandable and attractive to everyone. It tells it in a way that everyone from children to the elderly, from academics to workers can easily access it.”

'Almost all of them had some knowledge of Abdullah Öcalan'

Referring to the intense interest at the presentation meeting at Cambridge University, Heider said: “Most of those who were there had either read one of the defences Öcalan had written in prison or had read the pamphlets. Some of them were influenced by the idea of Jineoloji (Women’s Science). Some were influenced by democratic confederalism. Some were influenced by the Rojava system. Almost all of them had some knowledge of Abdullah Öcalan. Cambridge University was a little different. Some were so impressed by Abdullah Öcalan that they brought their mothers to the introductory meeting. There were Portuguese, Italians, Irish, English people.”

‘They see Öcalan as a thinker who laid the foundations of the Rojava Revolution’

Describing the perspective of university students on Abdullah Öcalan's ideas, Heider said: “They are quite impressed by Abdullah Öcalan. Especially in these difficult times, in such a Middle East, in such a world where fascism is on the rise on all sides, where there are wars in which religious extremists are massacring people, they see Abdullah Öcalan as a leader who really creates hope. And they see and recognise Abdullah Öcalan as a thinker who laid the foundations of the Rojava Revolution, which proves that not only everything is going badly, but that there are also good things, that revolution is still possible.”

‘A unique situation in the history of revolutions’

Expressing that they were astonished that Abdullah Öcalan developed the paradigm of Democratic Confederalism in an island prison, Heider said, “All this thought process takes place in prison and he makes suggestions to his movement, looks at them, discusses them and does something and a revolution emerges. This is a unique situation in the history of revolutions. Of course, it arouses curiosity. It is seen as extraordinary that he creates hope with his thoughts and practical power in this way.”

'Everyone agrees that isolation can only be broken through struggle'

Heider said everyone agrees that absolute isolation is unacceptable and that isolation can only be broken through the struggle of the peoples: “If we want to expand the struggle for Abdullah Öcalan's freedom, we need to reach out to peoples other than Kurds. There is great potential. Kurds may be organised in Europe, but there is a numerical limit. It is important to reach out to other peoples to ensure Abdullah Öcalan's freedom.”

'I was influenced by Öcalan’s ideas and ideology'

Asked about his belief in Abdullah Öcalan and the reason for his efforts in the struggle despite him not being Kurdish, Heider stated: “What makes Abdullah Öcalan different? There is a struggle against ISIS, there is a struggle and resistance against the Turkish state colonialism. But more than that, people are influenced by Abdullah Öcalan's ideas. It is not only resistance and armed struggle, but the fact that Abdullah Öcalan has ideas that transcend all these makes him different and impressive. Making a proposal to create a more democratic and new system, explaining it well, describing its historical roots, creating its philosophy; this is Abdullah Öcalan's difference. Unfortunately, these ideas are not always examined thoroughly. It is not enough just to say to the peoples of the world, ‘We want the freedom of our leader’. His ideas are important because thoughts and ideas affect peoples. His ideas also affected me. As a young student, I met the Kurdish freedom struggle years ago. I witnessed the resistance of the Kurds, the persecution they suffered, and it influenced me. But more than that, it is Öcalan’s ideas and ideology.”

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