2025: Jan wk1P2 -- Jan wk1
 2024: Dec wk4P3 -- Dec wk4P2 -- Dec wk4 -- Dec wk3P4 -- Dec wk3P3 -- Dec wk3P2

 When one hurts or kills a women
one hurts or kills hummanity and is an antrocitie.
Gino d'Artali
and: My mother (1931-1997) always said to me <Mi figlio, non esistono notizie <vecchie> perche puoi imparare qualcosa da qualsiasi notizia.> Translated: <My son, there is no such thing as so called 'old' news because you can learn something from any news.>
Gianna d'Artali.


In commemoration and deepest gratitude of Cihan Bilgin
Medyanews - Jan 1, 2024
<<Last words of journalist killed by Turkish drone show dedication to truth
Kurdish journalist Cihan Bilgin's final words reflect her unwavering commitment to exposing the truth, even in the face of danger. Bilgin and her colleague Nazım Daştan were killed in a targeted Turkish drone strike near Kobani (Kobane), northeast Syria, on 19 December. Kurdish journalist Cihan Bilgin, known for her tenacity and courage, was killed in a Turkish drone strike on 19 December, alongside her colleague Nazım Daştan. The two were travelling through the Sirrin district, near Kobani (Kobanê) in northeast Syria, when the attack occurred. The strike targeted the journalists as they documented critical developments in the region, where tensions between Kurdish forces and Turkish operations have been escalating. Bilgin's final reflections, published in full below, were recorded shortly before she was killed, offering a poignant insight into her dedication to journalism and the pursuit of truth. "The fighters here warned us, saying, 'They will specifically target you.' But can my friend Nazım and I stay in one place and turn a blind eye to the distortion of the truth? I don't think so!" she wrote. Her last words, composed just 20 minutes before the strike, encapsulate a life driven by conscience and an unwavering belief in the power of journalism. "I am here because my conscience could not accept what I saw with my own eyes," she declared. Bilgin had a deep connection to the region, having reported from liberated areas such as Qara Quzaq (Qere Qozaq), Tishreen, and Ayn Issa (Bozane). She described how she shared in the joy of women freed from the Islamic State (ISIS) oppression, drinking tea with strangers and weaving their stories into her work. "I should be there if it was just for an old memory of a cup of coffee," she wrote, illustrating the personal ties that informed her reporting. Despite warnings from colleagues about the risks, Bilgin refused to stay away from the frontlines. "I am a war correspondent, and I have to follow developments on the spot," she insisted. Her commitment was rooted in a desire to counter misinformation and bring clarity to a region plagued by conflicting narratives. Bilgin's account highlighted her empathy for the fighters and families caught in the conflict. "I see the eagerness to win in the young resistance fighters here... maybe in an hour they will be gone. But their determination is reflected in their eyes," she observed. Her reflections also touched on personal struggles, including the targeting of her family by Turkish authorities. "They took my father to a place he didn't know. He protested, saying, 'You know where Cihan is, she is reporting, why are you putting pressure on us?'" Despite these challenges, Bilgin remained steadfast: "No matter what they do, I will not turn back from my path." In her final hours, Bilgin expressed hope for a brighter future for the Kurdish people, citing ongoing discussions involving Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan. "Somehow the leader will find a way to overcome all the obstacles," she wrote, conveying her belief in the power of political solutions. Bilgin's last words underscore her unrelenting optimism and belief in her mission. "When you choose the path, you have to walk it at your own risk. The way is us, and we are the way," she concluded, moments before embarking on the journey that would claim her life. The deaths of Bilgin and Daştan have drawn widespread condemnation from press freedom advocates and Kurdish organisations. Local sources accuse Turkey of deliberately targeting journalists to suppress coverage of military operations in the region. Ankara has not commented on the strike. Bilgin's life and work leave behind a legacy of courage and an unwavering commitment to truth. Her story has galvanised calls for greater protection of journalists in conflict zones and brought renewed attention to the dangers faced by reporters in northeast Syria. Below we share our translation of Cihan Bilgin’s notes, written in the hours and minutes before she was killed:
Cihan Bilgin (1996 – 2024)>>
Read her last words here: https://medyanews.net/last-words-of-journalist-killed-by-turkish-drone-show-dedication-to-truth/


Gulnaz Osman
Medyanews - December 29, 2024
<<'If Syrian women don't stand up for their rights now, they will lose them!'
With the fall of the Assad regime and the rise to power of the jihadist organisation Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) in Syria, women fear increased violence against them and a loss of their rights. Gulnaz Osman from the Women's Council of the Democratic Islamic Congress spoke about the dangers of an increase of violence against women and called onto Syrian women to speak up for their rights, as they are at risk of losing many rights under a HTS government. With the fall of the Assad regime and the rise to power of the jihadist organisation Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) in Syria, women fear increased violence against them and a loss of their rights. Gulnaz Osman from the Women’s Council of the Democratic Islamic Congress in North and East Syria has spoken about the dangers of an increase of violence against women under a regime led by HTS and advocated for a democratic understanding of Islam. She also called on Syrian women to speak up for their rights, mentioning that they are at risk of losing many rights under a HTS government. Explaining the history of HTS, Osman explained that they are a "continuation of the Al-Nusra-Front" and that "their history is full of murder as well as rights violations against women." She says that HTS have "changed their coat now but still follow the same ideology”, underlying her statement by saying that “women have no place in the new laws presented by HTS” and that HTS has started "forcing the hijab on women". "Syrian women are the ones that are the most affected by the ongoing wars but despite everything they keep on resisting", she stated, calling on all Syrian women to "demand their rights now, because tomorrow may already be too late". She also clarified her understanding of a "democratic Islam", saying that it shouldn’t be understood in a way where "whatever is written in the Koran, I will use it according to my own understanding", but that everyone should see themselves as part of all people living on Earth and should not "undermine the rights of another faith".
"Democratic Islam means bringing Islam back to its roots", Osman highlighted, and explained that at the beginning of Islam women "played an active role in all facets of life, including war, trade, agriculture and medicine". However, she added, “the patriarchal mindset deprives women from their history and from knowing herself in the name of Islam". Giving the examples of HTS, the Muslim Brotherhood, Turkish President Erdogan and Iran, she stated that these are "based on political Islam, where everything takes place under force and there are a lot of executions". Kongra Star Women's Movement, which is the umbrella organisation of women’s organisations in Syria, with offices also in Lebanon, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) and Europe, also shared a report on the threats of a HTS regime for women in Syria, sharing experiences of women from the Idlib region in northwestern Syria, which has been under the control of HTS since 2017. Under the HTS regime, "women's social and religious freedom was limited, with far-reaching consequences in areas such as education, employment opportunities and social relations", Kongra Star stated, saying that women have become "more vulnerable to violence and suffering hardship". In the report, Kongra Star points out how HTS used more violent measures to establish their Islamist rule with their gain of power and control in Idlib, saying that at first they were just giving out advice to women who "wore make-up, short jackets or bright colours", but as their power grew “they began to harass women".>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/if-syrian-women-dont-stand-up-for-their-rights-now-they-will-lose-them/


Medyanews - December 29, 2024
"Don't be a woman, don't be a Kurd" – a weekly news review by Sarah Glynn
This week's review looks at the skills and limits of Ahmed al-Sharaa (or Jolani), at what women can expect from HTS, and at the brutal history of Turkey's mercenary militias, before going on to the week’s events: An SDF counteroffensive, the Turkish foreign minister's meeting with al-Sharaa, a position statement from the SDF, further clampdowns in Turkey, and a possible visit to Ocalan. This week has seen further fighting around Syria's Manbij, important meetings in Damascus, and significant Kurdish moves in the world of realpolitik. It has seen new attacks on Kurdish freedoms in Turkey - and, in the midst of this whirl of events, it has ended with an announcement that, weather permitting, two leaders of Turkey’s pro-Kurdish DEM Party will make a long-anticipated visit to Abdullah Ocalan's island prison this weekend. Before writing about this week's events, I want to look further at the background of some of the key players to better understand what is at stake.
Looking beyond Jolani's rhetoric
We are brought up to look for the fairytale ending, to dream about the hero who will swoop in and save his people. Even when experience tells us that real life doesn't work like that, our optimism tries to fit the most unlikely people into this ideal role - bringing inevitable disappointment. Political leaders are far from immune from this optimism, and it can be enough for someone to share a common enemy for them to become the vehicle for political hopes. Since Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, took over control of most of Syria, many hopes have been transferred onto their shoulders, and especially those of their leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who most of the world first came to know under his nom de guerre of Jolani.
Al-Sharaa is clearly a canny operator who, despite his terrorist designation, has been evolving a modus vivendi with Western powers - carefully distancing himself from some more extreme elements, limiting his focus to Syria, and avoiding targeting US interests. Ahmed Al-Rumah, writing for MENA Research Centre, claims that today only 3% of HTS fighters adhere to a strict Salafi-jihadist framework. Shiraz Maher explained to Britian's Channel 4 how, for two to three years, Al-Sharaa has been reaching out to non-Muslim groups to build his image as a statesman. At the same time, he has been ruthless in his suppression of opposition, and wants to see Syria governed by Sharia Law. Even if we take at face value al-Sharaa's claim to have left behind his al-Qaeda beliefs on the Road to Damascus, we can hardly expect this conversion to extend to all his followers, and to the Islamist militias which HTS have brought under their overall command. Indeed, this week some of these foot soldiers have pictured themselves committing bloody revenge against members of Assad's Alawite community. As Kurdish leaders have cautioned, al-Sharaa and HTS must be judged by what they do and not what they say, and there have already been various worrying developments. Significantly, the newly established interim government includes no one from groups other than HTS, and no women. Before looking in more detail at the prospects for Syrian women, I want to add a short note on the achievements of the HTS <Salvation Government> in Idlib, which have been much praised in recent articles. It is not difficult to believe that the Idlib authorities are more efficient and effective than those in the mercenary-run Turkish occupied areas, but that is setting the bar very low. Idlib has been reliant on international aid, and as recently as 2022 (before the earthquake made the situation even worse) the UN claimed that 70% of the population was not getting enough to eat, and 1 in 3 children were undernourished. At the same time, Idlib has produced an emir elite that lives a life of profligate luxury
Women as second-class citizens
There is no excuse for underestimating the dangers facing half of Syria's population. We don't need to guess how HTS treats women, we can look at the situation in Idlib where they developed the system of governance that they are now wanting to apply to the whole of the country, and where leading figures in the interim government learnt their administrative practices. Kongra Star, the umbrella body for North and East Syria's women's organisations, has put together an information sheet on the situation in Idlib. This explains that the social and legal situation in operation there is based on HTS' interpretation of Islamic law, which affects many areas of life, including education, employment, and social relations, and which leaves women at greater risk of abuse and violence. They comment that the administration followed a pattern in which advice and admonition (accompanied by welcome social support) evolved into harassment as the organisation consolidated their power, and that the same pattern could be repeated countrywide. Others have observed that Idlib had seen a relaxation of rules, including on women's dress, in the last couple of years in order to court Western support; but this could revert, and women’s life is still very restricted. Kongra Star includes quotes from women describing their experience of living in Idlib. Rana, a 42-year-old widow, explained "Without the escort of a male family member, I am not allowed to work outside the house. I sew in secret to feed my children. I am always afraid of being discovered by the members of the commission." Hala, told them, "I have been arrested twice for my human rights activities. My interrogations have been humiliating and painful. We tried to set up a support network for women, but we had to work in complete secrecy for fear of repression by the Commission." Not only are there no women in al-Sharaa's interim government, but a government spokesperson has made it clear that there are some roles that will be systematically denied to women. He told a Lebanese television interviewer, "A woman is an important and honoured element of society but her tasks should be in line with roles she can perform. For example, if we say a woman becomes responsible for the defence ministry, is this in accordance with her being and her psychological and biological nature? There is no doubt that it is not in accordance. Can she perform the tasks and responsibilities attached to this role like a man? She can't, in my opinion." In this scenario, the decision on whether or not a job would be deemed suitable for women would be made by <experts>. Already, we have seen women putting on a headscarf in order to be photographed with al-Sharaa, or even to carry out a CNN interview. (Some Islamists have criticised al-Sharaa for being photographed with a woman at all.)
The brutality of Turkey's SNA
When it comes to Turkey's mercenary militias, which Turkey calls the Syrian National Army, or SNA, and which are largely focussed on attacking the Kurds, there is already a wealth of evidence from local and international organisations of endemic human rights abuses in the Turkish occupied areas where these groups are in control. A new report on the situation in the 120km by 30km strip of land between Sere Kaniye and Gire Spi (Ras al-Ayn and Tal Abyad), which was occupied by Turkey in 2019, evidences the brutal continuation of these abuses. The report is based on the testimonies of eighteen people who suffered "arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance and torture, at the hands of SNA factions". The prisoners were generally accused of working with the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, or with the Administration's Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), or of terrorism and sabotage. They were forced to sign "confessions", and their release depended on the payment of ransoms or bribes. Appalling conditions were combined with deliberate neglect, and denial of family contact. All "endured torture in cruel, repeated, and systematic forms, reminiscent of the methods used in the notorious prisons of the Syrian regime". And "torture was not merely a method to obtain information; rather, it was used as a tool to humiliate the victims and exert psychological control, leaving deep, lasting impacts that endure for a lifetime." The authors conclude, 'These persistent and widespread abuses point to a systematic and well-coordinated campaign of violence and persecution, potentially sanctioned as official policy by the SNA factions. The goal appears to be the forcible displacement of Kurdish communities and the consolidation of control over the region through violence and intimidation." We have seen a similar situation playing out in Manbij, now newly occupied by SNA militias - as I detailed last week.
On the battlefield
The focus of military action has remained on the west bank of the Euphrates, between Manbij and Kobane, though there have also been Turkish bombardments in other places close to the front lines. Kobanê remains under severe threat of SNA/Turkish attack, despite the presence of American patrols, but Monday saw the launch of a counteroffensive by the SDF, which has recaptured villages on the Manbij side of the river and freed a female member of the Manbij internal security services who had been captured by the SNA. The Tishreen dam and the bridge across the river leading to Kobanê have continued to come under attack from Turkish artillery. There have been more fears over possible and disastrous breaching of the dam, and it has been unable to produce electricity, leaving vital water pumps without power and millions of people without water. On Thursday Turkey's Ministry of Defence claimed control of the dam, but that lie was soon exposed by a video showing the SDF spokesperson speaking from the dam without a Turkish soldier in sight. The SDF claims to have inflicted heavy casualties on the SNA militias. As well as bringing territorial and strategic gains, the offensive boosts morale and strengthens the SDF's negotiating position.
Hakan Fidan in Damascus
On Sunday, Turkey's Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, visited al-Sharaa in Damascus. After a long talk in Assad’s presidential palace, and before taking coffee in the hills overlooking the city, the two men gave a public statement. Fidan presented Turkey’s usual inversion of the truth, portraying the Syrian Kurds as illegal occupiers and Turkey (which does occupy large areas of the country and was trying to make a deal with Assad until the last moment) as Syria's friend who will help them cleanse the country of PKK/YPG and ISIS terrorists. "On this occasion," he concluded, "I would like to emphasize once again that there is absolutely no place for the PKK/YPG in Syria." Al-Sharaa, maintaining his more moderate tone, said that all military groups would dissolve themselves and a new national army be formed; and he made clear that "We will not allow any weapons to be outside the state, whether from the revolutionary factions or from the factions present in the SDF region," On Tuesday, as he had predicted, Al-Sharaa met with leaders of different armed factions who agreed to merge their forces into the national military.
Kurds and realpolitik
This has left the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria in a difficult position. They have always argued that their region is part of Syria and that the SDF should be part of the Syrian Army, but they don't want to give up all their autonomy within the state, nor to expose themselves to the aggressive forces by which they are surrounded without means of defence. Their position was laid out in an interview given by SDF Commander in Chief, Mazloum Abdi, to Asharq as-Aswat. "The priority," he explained, "is for military operations to stop throughout Syrian territory, especially the attacks carried out by Turkey and its loyal factions on the Syrian Democratic Forces, so that we, as Syrians, can discuss the future of our country among ourselves without external interference or guardianship. The areas of the Autonomous Administration are Syrian areas and their representatives must have a role and a voice that is heard, and they must participate in building the future." The SDF call for dialogue, and for the system of government to be decided by the Syrian people. They agree that Syria must have a single national army for defence of the country and its citizens, and that the SDF will integrate into this, but they need direct discussions on how this would work. They are ready in principle to transfer border control to Damascus, and they will work with the new government to fight ISIS. Abdi made clear that Syria's natural resources belong to the whole country, and that the SDF have no organisational links with the PKK – some PKK members have been there to fight ISIS, but they will leave at the end of military operations. He noted that they had had field coordination with HTS since the second day of their operation against Assad, which was needed to prevent clashes in Aleppo and to facilitate the evacuation of al Shahba. And he admitted that the danger of a Turkish attack on Kobanê was still very high. Veteran Kurdish politician, Salih Muslim, notes that Turkey appears to be giving a message to al-Sharaa (or Jolani) not to establish relations with the Autonomous Administration. He observes, "If Turkey withdraws its hand from Syria and ends its efforts to create separation there, we can reach an agreement with Jolani." And he points out, "If the attacks on our people stop and assurances are given, there will be no need for weapons." But, "As long as our gains are targeted, it is our natural right to defend ourselves." These are incredibly difficult conditions from which to negotiate and to salvage something of the dreams that so many have worked and died for. Turkey's hard line was repeated in President Erdogan's message to his party on Christmas day: "The separatist murderers (meaning the SDF) will either bid farewell to their weapons, or they will be buried in Syrian lands along with their weapons." And there are reports that Turkey's visceral antagonism towards Kurdish society has even caused them to threaten IDPs who they have settled in Kurdish areas and who now want to go home to their original part of Syria. Turkey doesn't want them to leave and to make space that Kurds might return to, as this would undo their carefully engineered demographic changes.
North and East Syria may be the one part of the country that tries to implement all those things that Western nations are supposed to care about, such as women’s rights and ethnic inclusivity, but that has won them little support. After meeting Fidan in Ankara, Germany's Foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, called for "Kurdish groups to be disarmed", citing Turkish "security concerns". Her vaunted "feminist foreign policy" seems oblivious to the plight of women in Syria. The United States has been more supportive because of their reliance on the SDF in the fight against ISIS.
Russia has maintained some bases in Syria and is building relations with HTS, who were previously the target of their bombing campaigns. Their Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov keeps up the old tired claims about "Turkish concern" and "groups seeking to secede and seizing the country's oil resources" - a characterisation of the SDF that the SDF have repeatedly debunked.
Inside Turkey
Turkey's foreign aggression has been matched by more internal oppression. A week ago, Turkey targeted and killed two Kurdish journalists working in Syria. The state then clamped down on the protests against the killings, with bans, threats, detention in custody, and criminal investigations. They are even investigating the Istanbul Bar Association for calling for an enquiry into the deaths. Ozlem Goner explained to Democracy Now the significance of the two journalists: Nazım Daştan has shown Turkey's involvement with ISIS sine 2014, and Cîhan Bilgin documented the lives of people displaced from Afrin by Turkey’s 2018 invasion. Another journalist has been indicted on the basis of doing an interview with Saleh Muslim; and last Sunday the Kurdish Publishers Association announced that, in just three weeks, the authorities had banned 120 Kurdish-language books, magazines, newspapers, and other Kurd-related publications. And finally, the long awaited announcement that the promised meeting between Abdullah Ocalan and DEM Party deputies Sırrı Sureyya Onder and Pervin Buldan will take place this weekend - weather permitting. When it comes to crossing the water to İmralı island prison, the weather often provides an excuse for cancellation of the visit. Dealing with Erdogan has often been compared to playing chess. This must be three person chess at the very least.
Sarah Glynn is a writer and activist>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/dont-be-a-woman-dont-be-a-kurd-a-weekly-news-review/


Medyanews - December 28, 2024 - by Frederike Geerdink
Dear Roboski village, I am with you today - from a distance, but close
No conflict lasts forever. At some point in time, the full truth will come out, either via the courts or via a real peace process in which the state takes responsibility for what it has done. Don't think it is unrealistic to hope for this. The unthinkable is unthinkable only until it happens. "I was looking for my son. They showed me the smallest of the bodies. I said my son is tall, he always bent over when he kissed me." I think of this mother today, as it is exactly thirteen years ago that she lost her tall son in a bombing by the Turkish state. He was earning some extra money as a border trader with a few dozen others when a Turkish fighter jet appeared and bombed them to death. He was one of the 34 men and boys who didn't survive.
I wish I could have been there today, in the village of Bujeh (Gulyazı), where most of the victims were from and where they have been laid to rest. As I did at the commemorations of 2012, 2013 and 2014, which I attended, I would have gone at least one day earlier. Not just to be on time in the morning, but also to just be there. To commemorate, not to hurry. I would have gone every year if I had been able to. Unfortunately, Turkey expelled me in 2015 and I haven't been allowed to go back since. It's hard to stay in touch, impossible even. You can only know how the village and the people are if you are there, with your feet on the ground. Only by talking and observing, by listening and taking time to live everyday life, can you start to comprehend how the massacre of thirteen years ago still impacts life today.
Energetic
When I visited the village, I used to stay with Pakize and her three daughters and two sons. They had lost their husband and father, Osman, in the bombing. I went rather often because I was investigating what had happened for a book I was writing, showing how the massacre was inextricibly linked to the horrors of the suppression of the Kurds since before the foundation of the Republic of Turkey. I remember little Mahmut, the youngest son of the five children of Osman and Pakize. Mahmut was five years old when he lost his father. He didn't comprehend yet what had happened, he could only feel the emotions of the people around him. He was a very energetic, happy and funny boy, running around in the small house and the land around it, climbing on doors and swinging back and forth, climbing in trees and running around in the village with his best friend. He only changed when the family went to the graveyard every Thursday with the other families, or on other occasions on which he held the framed picture of his father. Then he would instantly sit down quietly with a sad expression on his face, holding his treasure carefully. Mahmut is 18 now, an adult. Still the little one, I suppose, for his sisters Hulya, Sinem and Esra and big brother Ozkan.
Evidence
How are they? What are their thoughts about the incident in which they lost their father, now that they are adults and have learned to understand what the state did to them? How is Pakize doing? I'd love to sit down and talk. I may call them today, to let them know I never forgot them and never will. They'll say: "We are doing well." Justice has never come. The judicial details are a tangled mess, as usual after Turkey commits a crime against civilians. For some time, it seemed all judicial routes had led nowhere and that justice would never ever be served. I won't confuse you with the details. But hope has emerged again, in the form of a procedure at the Human Rights Council of the UN, and at Turkey's Constitutional Court. This was made possible by new evidence that emerged - more details here. According to procedure, Turkey must respond to the case brought to the Human Rights Council by the end of this year or ask for an extension. So there will be news on this very soon. Whatever the news is, it will only be a small step in the long road ahead. But there is a dedicated lawyer this time, which helps.
Closure
No conflict lasts forever. At some point in time, the full truth will come out, either via the courts or via a real peace process in which the state takes responsibility for what it has done. Don’t think it is unrealistic to hope for this. The unthinkable is unthinkable only until it happens. By then, Pakize and Osman's children will have built their lives, still with this one big hole in their hearts and scar on their souls. Can the truth one day bring them closure? Can they one day place flowers on his grave and sit by it in peace without demanding justice, because it has been served?
Dear Pakize, dear children, dear village, I am with you today. From a distance, but close. May my heart shrivel if I forget Roboski.
Fréderike Geerdink is an independent journalist.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/dear-roboski-village-i-am-with-you-today-from-a-distance-but-close/

Jinha - Womens News Agency - December31, 2024
<<Amnesty International calls on Turkish authorities to stop crackdown on peaceful dissent
In a public statement on December 26, Amnesty International called on the Turkish authorities to stop the crackdown on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in Turkiye.
News Center- Amnesty International released a public statement on December 26, expressing concern about the crackdown on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in Türkiye following the reports of a drone strike attack resulting in the killing of Cihan Bilgin and Nazım Daştan, two Kurdish journalists from Turkiye in north-east Syria on December 19. "Since the killings, protests have been banned, participants detained and criminal investigations launched against those who have expressed their opinions in statements and on social media. On 20 December, law enforcement officials prevented protesters from gathering and at least 55 people, including 10 journalists, were detained in the eastern province but later released the same day. On 21 December, riot police detained 59 people during protests in Istanbul, of whom nine people including seven journalists were remanded in pre-trial detention," the statement said. Mentioning the criminal investigations launched against the Istanbul Bar Association and other groups and individuals because of their statements and social media posts calling for an investigation into the reported killings and the release of the detained individuals, Amnesty International said, "The crackdown against lawyers, journalists and protesters amounts to a misuse of the criminal justice system to intimidate, harass and silence peaceful dissent and as such, is in violation of Turkiye's obligations under international human rights law."
'Turkish authorities must immediately release all those detained'
Calling on the Turkish authorities to immediately release all those detained solely for the peaceful exercise of their human rights, the statement said, "Authorities must promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently and effectively investigate the allegations of human rights violations and other actions of the law enforcement officials on journalists and other protesters and bring to justice in fair trials those suspected to be responsible, as well as ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims. The authorities must uphold the human rights of everyone in the country including by immediately ending the arbitrary detention and prosecution of journalists and others solely for peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. Authorities must stop weaponizing the criminal justice system against the Istanbul Bar Association and others simply for exercising their rights and discharging their professional duties and immediately drop the ongoing criminal investigations launched against them."
Arbitrary detentions
On 21 December at around 1.30pm, hundreds of riot police prevented journalists and others from reading out a press statement in Istanbul, based on the Beyoglu district governor’s banning decision of the protest, which was not shown to the protestors but later obtained by Amnesty International observers following their request to see it from the law enforcement officials, according to the statement. "Amnesty International observers present saw around 100 law enforcement officers in riot gear surrounding a dozen people gathered for the protest before they could begin their press statement, while dozens of other officers were stationed around the Şişhane square.4 Police made three loudspeaker announcements in quick successions, stating the gathering was banned by the district governorate and that they would intervene if the group didn’t disperse, while containing them. However, the police did not allow the group to disperse, or any individuals to leave the containment.">>
Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/amnesty-international-calls-on-turkish-authorities-to-stop-crackdown-on-peaceful-dissent-36264?page=1


YPJ fighters
Jinha - Womens News Agency - December31, 2024 - by REVAN ELI
<<YPJ fighters taking part in Tishreen Dam Resistance: We will succeed!
"We will not allow the enemy to enter our country. We will succeed," said the YPJ fighters taking part in Tishreen Dam Resistance against the attacks of the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions.
Tishreen- The fighters of the Women's Defense Units (YPJ), the People's Defense Units (YPG) and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have shown a historical resistance against the attacks of the Turkish state and Turkish-backed armed groups on the Tishreen Dam area. NuJINHA interviewed two YPJ members fighting at the frontline about the ongoing attacks and the resistance against the attacks.
'We will not allow the enemy to enter our country'
"Our fight and resistance against the Turkish state and Turkish-backed armed groups continue today, too," said Bihar Silav, an YPJ fighter from Gire Spi (Tell Abyad). "The friends of the Kurds, who support the YPG, YPJ and SDF, also support this resistance. We will not allow the enemy to enter our country and taint our lands. Everyone knows that the Turkish state aims to eliminate our forces but they (Turkish state and Turkish-backed armed groups) should know that the YPG and the YPJ will always exist and fight against them."
'We advance more every day'
The fighters have already broken the attacks, Bihar Silav stressed, adding: "The attacks have been repeatedly repulsed by the fighters. This causes fear among them to flee. Some of the fighters have been martyred and some have been injured while resisting the attacks. We will avenge our martyred comrades. Since the start of Operation Martyr Aziz Ereb, we have advanced more every day."
'We congratulate our people for their resistance'
We will resist until the end to defend our country and we will succeed, Bihar Silav emphasized. "All of our comrades follow in the footsteps of Martyr Eziz Ereb. We commemorate all of our martyrs and wish our injured comrades a quick recovery. We also send our greetings to our people and congratulate them for their resistance against the armed groups." "Since December 23, I have taken part in the Operation Martyr Aziz Ereb," said Zeyneb Zilan, an YPJ fighter and Arab woman from Aleppo. "There is an unprecedented resistance here. As an Arab woman, I take part in this resistance. We will liberate everywhere occupied by the Turkish state and Turkish-backed armed groups." Zeyneb Zilan also talked about the claims of the Turkish state saying that they control the Tishreen Dam. "The Tishreen Dam is not controlled by the Turkish state. Our operation continues." >>
Video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/ypj-fighters-taking-part-in-tishreen-dam-resistance-we-will-succeed-36263?page=1


Borders cannot divide the Kurds
Jinha - Womens News Agency - December31, 2024
<<'Borders cannot divide the Kurds'
"Borders cannot divide the Kurds," said people holding in Nusaybin at the Qamishlo border to be in solidarity with the people of Rojava.
Mardin- The attacks and threats of Turkiye and Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) on North and East Syria continue while people The vigils started in the Nusaybin district of Mardin and Pirsus (Suruç) district of Riha (Urfa) to be in solidarity with the people of Rojava against the attacks continue. The vigil held in Nusaybin at the Qamishlo border has entered its 19th day. Despite the rain and cold weather, people visiting the vigil aim to grow solidarity with the people of Rojava. Women sing songs and dance halay against the police blockade.
"Rojava is our red line," said the women participating in the vigil.
'Borders cannot divide the Kurds'
Esma Gonultaş, one of the women participating in the vigil, showed us the fences around the Qamishlo border and said, "Borders cannot divide the Kurds." Many of the relatives of Esma Gonultaş live in Rojava. "We have been here for days to be in solidarity with the people of Rojava and support them. We are here for the martyrs. We are here to ensure victory for the Kurdish people. We are here for our children and future. We will be here to the end and resist." Rojava is us and we are Rojava," Esma Gonultaş said, demanding an end to the attacks on Rojava.
'The status of Rojava must be recognized"
Those who bear enmity will be defeated," Kadriye Akar said, pointing to the ongoing attacks against the Kurds. She demanded an end to the oppression against the Kurds and said, "We stand with the people of Rojava and their resistance. Türkiye attacks the people of Rojava because it does not recognize the status of Rojava. As long as we exist, we will resist such policies and attacks. A war has been started against the rights, status and language of the Kurdish people. But we always stand with the people of Rojava."
'I believe that victory will be ours'
Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan has been still held in the prison island of Imrali and his physical freedom must be ensured immediately, Berfin Şervan emphasized. "Abdullah Ocalan has the power to end the war. We demand an end to the dirty war on Rojava and the Kurdish people. I believe that victory will be ours; the Kurdish people will prevail. This war must end now. The people of Rojava demand their right to life."
'We will defend Rojava'
"Rojava is our honor," said Berivan Kutlu, member of the Free Women's Movement (Kurdish: Tevgera Jinen Azad-TJA). "We will do everything that needs to be done for Rojava. We are here to support Rojava and the people of Nusaybin. We will defend Rojava and the gains of Rojava." >>
Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/borders-cannot-divide-the-kurds-36258

Jinha - Womens News Agency - December30, 2024
<<606 women call for recognition of Rojava
In a joint letter to Donald J. Trump, former President of the United States and Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, 606 women from different countries called for the recognition of Rojava.
News Center- In a joint letter to Donald J. Trump, former President of the United States and Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, 606 women, including politicians, journalists, academics, artists and activists, from different countries called for the recognition of Rojava.
"The Kurdish people, numbering nearly 50 million, are among the most ancient inhabitants of Mesopotamia,” the letter said. “Since the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, Kurdistan has been divided into four regions, subjecting the Kurdish population to denial and annihilation policies by the states governing these territories. This division has left the Kurdish people without official recognition as political and cultural members of the global community. . Despite this, for the past century, the Kurdish people have tirelessly fought for their identity, rights, and equality, striving for a free and harmonious coexistence with neighboring communities. This struggle has resulted in the establishment of the Kurdistan Federation in Iraq and the de facto Democratic Autonomous Administration in Syria."
'Kurdish gains continue to face severe threats'
However, Kurdish gains continue to face severe threats, including from nationalism and radical Islamist groups, the letter added. "In 2014, the world witnessed the ISIS-led genocide in Sinjar and its brutal assaults on Rojava, particularly in Kobane. ISIS's terrorism extended beyond these regions, targeting the free world and causing widespread devastation. The resistance of the Kurdish people and their partners in Sinjar and Rojava not only defeated ISIS but also left a lasting legacy of resilience and solidarity for humanity. The unity forged between Kurdish women, local communities, and international coalition forces in this struggle remains a cornerstone of hope and progress."
The letter continues as follows:
"Following the weakening of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria, Turkey and its allied jihadist militias, including the Syrian National Army (SNA), have persistently attacked the autonomous regions of Northeastern Syria. These actions aim to eradicate the Kurdish people and their achievements, including the progressive governance of the South Kurdistan Federation. The Kurdish people, with their cultural heritage, democratic governance, secular values, and advocacy for women’s freedom, embody the principles of a modern, inclusive Middle East. To undermine them is to harm the shared ideals of freedom and democracy that bridge Eastern and Western civilizations."
'The ongoing attacks and the threat of genocide'
The ongoing attacks and the threat of genocide against the physical and political existence of the Kurdish people, particularly women, in Rojava persist because the Autonomous Administration of Northeast Syria has not been granted formal recognition by international institutions and states. Call to officially recognize the status of the Autonomous Administration of Northeastern Syria We, the undersigned Kurdish women and organizations, urgently call on you to officially recognize the status of the Autonomous Administration of Northeastern Syria and ensure its international security. This administration stands as a guarantor of freedom and democratic life, not only for the Kurdish people but also for women worldwide. The threats posed by jihadist militias and ISIS are existential risks for women, threatening massacres, sexual crimes, and enslavement. The Autonomous Administration represents the collective will and governance of Kurdish women and women from across the globe. We believe that granting political recognition to the Autonomous Administration will secure the Kurdish people's and women's status as equal and free participants in Syria’s reconstruction. We trust that you will heed this call and provide a sincere example of friendship and solidarity."
Signatories:>>
Read it here: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/606-women-call-for-recognition-of-rojava-36256?page=1


4 Freedom and Peace
Jinha - Womens News Agency - December30, 2024 - by ELVIN MIHEMED
<<Political prisoners call to defend Revolution in Rojava
Political prisoners in Turkiye's prisons have issued a written statement, calling on everyone to defend the Revolution in Rojava.
News Center- Deniz Kaya has issued a written statement on behalf of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and Kurdistan Women's Liberation Party (PAJK) prisoners held in Turkiye's prisons regarding the ongoing attacks on Rojava. Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan's philosophy of freedom has become a ray of hope for the Middle Eastern people, a torch of freedom for the Revolution in Rojava and inspired those who seek an alternative life," the statement said.
'Rojava Revolution is a position for democratic civilization against capitalist civilization'
The Rojava Revolution is the crown of victory of the 40-year struggle for freedom, the statement added. "The Rojava Revolution is the victory of all oppressed people against capitalist modernity. Therefore, the Rojava Revolution is the most valuable position gained by democratic civilization against capitalist civilization. The success in Rojava has spread like waves and affected the Middle East and the whole world. This is what the capitalist civilization's forces fear most. They first aimed to destroy the revolution by using armed groups like ISIS to commit a genocide against our people. However, the glorious resistance of our people defeated ISIS, the capitalist forces."
'It's time to defend our leader's philosophy of freedom'
Turkiye launched attacks to do what ISIS failed to do in Syria, the statement emphasized. "The recent war is not a Kurdish-Turkish war; it is a war started by the colonial forces against the forces fighting for freedom. Defending the revolution built with the blood of thousands of martyrs is the primary duty of all of us. Our people, who have been fighting for existence, will go down in history by gaining a victory in World War III. As the PKK and PAJK prisoners, we are ready to resist for the Kurdish people. We call on the Kurdish people to defend the Revolution in Rojava and to rise up against the attacks." >>
Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/political-prisoners-call-to-defend-revolution-in-rojava-36255?page=1

Jinha - Womens News Agency - December30, 2024 - by HEVIDAR ŞENGALI
<<'People of Shengal will always defend Rojava'
"As the people of Shengal, we will always defend Rojava," said Yazidi women living in Shengal, stressing that even though the names of those who attacked Shengal and Afrin are different, they have the same mentality.
Shengal (Sinjar)- Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), jihadist group in Syria,took control of Aleppo and Damascus on December 8, 2024, paving the way for the Turkish state and Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) to intensify their attacks on North and East Syria on December 27, 2024. The attacks of the Turkish state and the SNA have forcibly displaced thousands from Shahba and Til Rıfat (Tell Rifaat). According to local reports, people living in Shahba and Til Rıfat have been subjected to many war crimes such as killing, rape and torture. NuJINHA spoke to women of Shengal, who were subjected to genocidal attacks by ISIS in 2014, about the ongoing attacks on Rojava (North and East Syria). "The sufferings of the people of Afrin and Shengal are the same," they said, condemning the ongoing attacks on Rojava.
'We must stand by the people of Rojava'
"The people of Shengal are the ones who know what the people of Afrin have faced," said Zozan Simo, member of the Yazidi Free Women's Movement (Kurdish: Tevgera Azadiya Jinen Ezidi-TAJE). "The genocide against us was painful for us. The people of Rojava, especially Afrin and Shahba, have suffered from the same pain. Those who attacked and the people of Afrin have the same mentality. ISIS attacked Shengal and the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions attacked Afrin. The people of Afrin have been displaced twice in winter. A month has already passed since the start of the attacks on Rojava. As the people of Shengal, we must stand by the people of Rojava against the attacks."
'Rojava gives us the strength'
Zozan Simo heartily saluted the resistance of the people of Rojava and said, "Many Yazidis survived from the genocide because the doors of Rojava were opened to the people of Shengal. The people of Rojava built camps and opened the doors of their schools and homes for us. They provided food and water to us, our children. Thanks to the thoughts of leader Apo (Abdullah Ocalan), the people of Rojava have shown great resistance against the attacks. The resistance in Rojava gives us the strength to build a free life."
'We stand with the people of Afrin'
Pakize Celal, member of the Council of Martyrs Families in Shengal, also expressed her support to the people of Rojava. "The people of Shengal and Afrin suffered from the same thing. During the genocide against us, our daughters were abducted; our people were killed and buried in mass graves. We faced inhuman practices. ISIS attacked us in summer and many people died of thirst. The people of Afrin were forcibly displaced in winter without food and water in freezing temperatures. We understand what the people of Afrin face and stand with them."
'The resistance of the people will prevail'
The resistance of the people in Rojava will prevail, said Pakize Celal. "I hope everyone will return to their homeland and have a free life. I hope that what happened to Saddam and Assad will happen to Erdoğan in a short time. Thousands of people have been martyred while fighting for the people of Rojava and the people of Rojava will resist under all circumstances. The Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions target the civilian infrastructure in the region to depopulate Rojava. Everyone resists in Rojava and the resistance of the people will prevail. The mothers of Rojava always stand with the fighters. Therefore, they will definitely prevail." >>
Video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/people-of-shengal-will-always-defend-rojava-36251?page=1


Bushra al-Sulaiman
Jinha - Womens News Agency - December30, 2024 - by GUFRAN AL-HABIS
<<Women of Aleppo resist despite violence and oppression
Women face threats as they struggle to ensure their rights and equality amidst the chaos of war. Bushra al-Sulaiman is one of the women struggling for herself and other women in Aleppo.
Aleppo- Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), jihadist armed group in Syria, took control of Syria's capital Damascus on December 8, 2024, overthrowing the Syrian government and starting an uncertain period for Syria. Since the civil war started in Syria, women have fought for survival and struggled to ensure gender equality and justice in the country. The story of Bushra al-Sulaiman reveals the determination of women in this struggle and the difficulties faced by them. Bushra al-Sulaiman, a human rights defender in Aleppo, thinks the civil war started in 2011 is a turning point in her life.
'I have lost many of my friends'
Like every person in Syria, Bushra al-Sulaiman first thought that the civil war in Syria would end soon and they would have a normal life again; however, her life has changed as the civil war has worsened. "I studied at the University of Aleppo for a year; however, I could not complete my education due to the ongoing bombardments. I took shelter in a temporary shelter with my family and then we settled in a safer place. Since 2011, I have lost many of my friends."
'I felt like a new person'
Due to the ongoing attacks, Bushra al-Sulaiman went to Aleppo along with her family to find a safe place. On her way, she saw a sign reading, "Amal Enterprise Center" in the Aleppo countryside. "I felt as if the sign was speaking to me. Therefore, I entered the center and saw a group of women with smiling faces. The center was like a training center. I decided to stay there and attend the courses of the center. At the center, I started dreaming again and I felt like a new person. Not only did I flee the war but also be able to do something for my society. Then, I became one of the activists of the center and gained many skills to provide psychological support to other women."
'I did not allow fear to control me'
Over time, Bushra al-Sulaiman started doing voluntary work for feminist initiatives to raise awareness against child marriage, gender-based violence and many other issues. "Women face many problems in our society and I decided to be the voice of women," she told NuJINHA, giving information about the activities of the Amal Enterprise Center. "The center is a space for women living in villages to discuss their problems and take advice. The center provides legal and psychological support to survivors of domestic violence. Some people began to accuse the center saying that its activities were against local customs and traditions. I also received a threatening letter." The letter read, "‘if you continue to teach women their rights and raise awareness, we will close your center and turn your life into hell’. But I did not allow fear to control me and kept working for women and children." The center still receives threats. Once the doors of the center were broken and threatening messages were written on the walls of the center. "We reported the threats to the authorities; however, they did nothing. Then, a smear campaign was launched against the center on social media platforms. We had no choice but to defend ourselves. Therefore, we had a meeting with women and called them to support us against the threats. I keep working at the center because we must be the voices of women." >>
Video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/women-of-aleppo-resist-despite-violence-and-oppression-36250?page=1


Jiyan Ateş
Jinha - Womens News Agency - December30, 2024 - by MEDINE MAMEDOGLU
<<Freedom after 13 years: Political prisoners preserve their dignity and will
"Political prisoners preserve their dignity and will despite the increase in rights violations against them," said Jiyan Ateş, whose release was postponed for eight times and released from prison in December 2024.
Amed (Diyarbakır)- Jiyan Ateş was arrested in Amed in 2012 when she was a university student at Dicle University and then sentenced to 12 years and nine months in prison on charges of <membership in an illegal organization>. Although she was expected to be released from prison in 2021, she was released from prison on December 17, 2024 because her release had been postponed for eight times by the Sincan Women's Closed Prison Administration and Observation Board.
NuJINHA interviewed her about the rights violations in Turkiye's prisons.
"The morale of political prisoners is high despite the ongoing rights violations,” she told us. “The will and dignity of the prisoners are targeted by the decisions of the boards aiming to prevent the release of political prisoners. Despite everything, the political prisoners preserve their dignity and will. The boards postpone the release of political prisoners because they say they do not have any regrets. Despite the postponement of their release, no political prisoners say they have any regrets. The aim of the postponement of release is to break the dignity and will of the political prisoners. They should understand that people, who spend 10 or 30 years in prison, will never say that they have regrets."
'Medical Chambers should follow the referrals and examination process of prisoners'
Speaking about the situation of sick prisoners, Jiyan Ateş said, "Political prisoners are subjected to many rights violations, including the violation of their rights to health and to life. They are denied access to treatment. Sometimes, seriously sick prisoners were referred to hospitals but they told us that they got tired when they were transferred to a hospital. They were transferred to hospitals and taken back to the prison without any examination. The Medical Chambers should follow the referrals and examination process of sick prisoners."
Disciplinary punishments against prisoners
Jiyan Ateş also talked about arbitrary disciplinary punishments against prisoners. "We were given disciplinary punishments for hugging our friends when we saw them in the corridors. Despite all the right violations, political prisoners have never been intimidated and they have resisted."
'Be the voices of prisoners'
Jiyan Ateş called on everyone to be in solidarity with the political prisoners. "The political prisoners call on everyone to be in solidarity with them against the inhumane policies and conditions in prisons. Everyone should be the voices of the political prisoners and be solidarity with them."
'I missed nature'
When Jiyan Ateş was in prison, she missed nature so much. "After being released from the prison, the first thing I did was go outside in nature for my friends in the prison. Since my release, whatever I have done is for my friends in prison." >>
Video: https://cpanel.cryfreedom.net/cpsess6115118311/frontend/paper_lantern/stats/awstats_landing.html?login=1&post_login=96231434307119

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