CRY FREEDOM.net
Welcome to cryfreedom.net,
formerly known as Womens Liberation Front.
A website
that hopes to draw and keeps your attention for both the global 21th. century 3rd. feminist revolution as well
as especially for the Zan, Zendegi, Azadi uprising in Iran and the
struggles of our sisters in other parts of the Middle East. This online magazine
that started December 2019 will
be published every 2 days. Thank you for your time and interest.
For the
Iran 'Woman, Life, Freedom' Iran actual news
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2024:
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Click here for an
overview
of the Women's Arab Spring Revolt 1.2 2024 and 2023
October 23 - 17, 2024 |
October 17 - 11, 2024 |
Special reports about August 30 - 26, 2024:
Turkey: Previously reported about the heinous
killing of the journalists Gulistan Tara and Hero Bahadin... |
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.
Jinha - Womens News Agency - Oct. 23, 2024 - by BERÇEM CUDI
<<'Women have followed in the footsteps of Beritan for 32 years'
"The action of Beritan Hevi changed the Kurdish women's struggle for
freedom," said Semira Mihemed Eli, manager at Mala Jin (Women's House)
in Kobane, commemorating Beritan Hevi on the 32nd anniversary of her
martyrdom.
Kobane-Gulnaz Karataş ( nom de guerre: Bêritan Hêvi), one of the leading
commanders of the Kurdish Freedom Movement and Kurdish Women's Freedom
Movement, becomes immortal by throwing herself off a cliff in order to
avoid being arrested by the KDP Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Region of
Iraq on October 25, 1992. She left an important legacy to the women's
struggle with her struggle against the patriarchal mindset and her
resistance against collaborationism.
In an interview with NuJINHA, Semira Mihemed Elî, manager at Mala Jin
(Women's House) in the city of Kobane, Euphrates Canton of North and
East Syria, talked about the impact of Beritan Hevi's action and
struggle on Kurdish women on the 32nd anniversary of her martyrdom.
'She sacrificed herself to end the betrayal'
"Martyr Beritan created a philosophy by fighting for the freedom of
Kurdistan and especially for the truth of women by showing a great
resistance, honor and will," Semîra Mihemed Eli said. "At that time, the
Kurdistan Freedom Movement was going through a war. Martyr Bêritan
responded to this war by objecting to the betrayal and developed a new
method. The action of Martyr Beritan has a different meaning in the
history of Kurdistan that determines the solution of the war. She
sacrificed herself to end the betrayal of the KDP as a leading commander
and woman."
'She became a light for women'
Speaking about the impact of Beritan Hevi's action on women, she said,
"The action of Martyr Beritan started a new era for the Kurdish Freedom
Movement and the Kurdish Women's Freedom Movement. She became a light
for women within the movement with her stance and action. Her action was
a spark for women to return to themselves and get to know themselves
thanks to the ideology of leader Apo (Abdullah Ocalan). His analysis and
thoughts on women's reality become concrete through this action. Her
action showed that women would not be active in Kurdistan if they did
not form their defense forces and participate in all facets of life."
'We have followed in the footsteps of Beritan for 32 years'
Semira Mihemed Eli reminded that the YPJ was formed based on the
principles created by Bêritan’s action and said:
"The war in 1992 and the action of Martyr Bêritan paved the way for us,
women, to determine the kind of future we want. Martyr Beritan is a
symbol of resistance for women. The Women's Defense Units (YPJ), one of
the most effective women’s armed forces, was formed on the principles
created by the action of Martyr Beritan. Our women's movement and
organizations that play an active role in protecting women's gains and
in the revolution (in Rojava) based on the same principles." >>
Source incl. video:
https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/women-have-followed-in-the-footsteps-of-beritan-for-32-years-35873?page=1
Medyanews - October 22, 2024
<<Kurdish MP challenges Erdoğan over Abdullah Ocalan's isolation
Turkey's pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party MP Omer
Ocalan has publicly challenged Turkish President Erdogan on the
prolonged isolation of Abdullah Ocalan, leader of the Kurdistan Workers'
Party (PKK), demanding legal visitation rights for his family amid
growing protests in Kurdish-majority regions. Turkey's pro-Kurdish
Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party MP Ömer Ocalan has openly
questioned the legal justification for Abdullah Ocalan's prolonged
isolation, challenging Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the
Justice Ministry to apply the law. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on
Sunday, Omer Ocalan called for the Turkish government to lift the
restrictions preventing the family from visiting the imprisoned
Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader, who has been held at İmralı
Island Prison for over 26 years. "For us, Abdullah Ocalan's health is
paramount," Omer Ocalan, the Abdullah's brother, said in his message.
"We want to exercise our rights under national and international law.
We, as his family, wish to visit him and use our right to routine
meetings. Why is the law not applied to Imralı?" The tweet directly
addressed Erdogan and Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç, tagging their
official accounts in an effort to bring attention to Abdullah Ocalan's
situation. The PKK leader has been in solitary confinement for the
majority of his imprisonment, with the last contact made during a brief,
interrupted phone call with Omer in March 2021. Abdullah Ocalan's severe
isolation has sparked rallies across Turkey's Kurdish-majority regions
in recent weeks. Protests have erupted in Diyarbakır (Amed), Van (Wan),
Batman (Elih) and other cities, with demonstrators calling for an end to
Öcalan’s isolation and a political solution to the ongoing Kurdish
question. The demonstrations have drawn a strong response from the
authorities, with riot police blocking access to protest sites. Despite
these efforts, Kurdish activists have continued to gather, chanting
slogans such as "Biji Serok Apo" (Long Live Our Leader Apo), expressing
their support for Ocalan and resistance to the government’s repressive
policies. "The isolation of Abdullah Ocalan is a violation of human
rights," said a protester in Diyarbakır, speaking on the condition of
anonymity. "If there is to be peace in Turkey, it must include dialogue
with the Kurdish people, and that starts with Ocalan." Kurdish political
representatives have long argued that Ocalan's role is central to any
resolution of the Kurdish issue. They see his isolation not only as a
punitive measure but as a barrier to progress on political reforms that
could address long-standing grievances of the Kurdish population in
Turkey.>>
Source:
https://medyanews.net/kurdish-mp-challenges-erdogan-over-abdullah-ocalans-isolation/
Jinha - Womens News Agency - Oct. 22, 2024 - by SARYA DENIZ
<<Three commissions to review election complaints in Kurdistan Region
Three commissions have been formed to review election complaints about
the parliamentary election held in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq for the
sixth parliamentary term, the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC)
of Iraq announced.
News Center- The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) of Iraq
announced late Monday the results of the parliamentary election held in
the Kurdistan Region of Iraq on Sunday for the sixth parliamentary term.
According to the election results, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP)
is the leading party, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) stands
second place while the New Generation Party stands third. The IHEC has
announced on Tuesday that three commissions have been formed to review
election complaints in Erbil, Duhok, Sulaymaniyah and Halabja. Election
observers monitored 71 complaints from political parties, according to
the IHEC.>>
Source:
https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/three-commissions-to-review-election-complaints-in-kurdistan-region-35869?page=1
Jinha - Womens News Agency - Oct. 22, 2024 - by BAHARIN LEHIB
<<Women of Kapisa believe they can ‘defeat the Taliban by struggling’
Kapisa province of Afghanistan, known for its natural resources, has
been looted by the Taliban. Women of the province are determined not to
bow to the Taliban and believe that they can defeat the Taliban by
struggling.
Kabul- Kapisa is the smallest province of Afghanistan but it is one of
the most important provinces of the country because it is known for its
natural resources and agricultural products such as grapes, pomegranates
and apples. It also has many historical sites, considered one of the old
cultural and civilizational centers. The population of the province
consists of numerous ethnolinguistic groups: mainly the Pashtun and
Tajik. Like other provinces of Afghanistan, its natural resources such
as marble, gypsum and emerald have been illegally extracted and
processed by the Taliban members. The Kapisa province was one of the
important French military headquarters during the U.S. and NATO's attack
on Afghanistan. Even though it was said that France built a headquarters
in the province to protect people and develop the province. In 2014, the
headquarters was completely evacuated. In August 2021, the Taliban took
control of Afghanistan as U.S. and NATO forces withdrew from the country
following two decades of war. Since the Taliban took control of the
country, they have imposed restrictions on social, political and
cultural activities, especially for women. The brave women of Kapisa
never sit down at home by participating in the protests against the
Taliban and they keep fighting for their rights and freedoms. Some hold
small and secret meetings to show their reaction to the Taliban's
policies. In addition, some make great efforts to provide informal
education to girls and women by forming local networks and support
groups. They use art and literature as a means of protest by writing
articles, poems and stories reflecting the difficult living conditions
of women under the Taliban regime.
'We are not afraid of repression'
The Taliban use oppression policies and arrests to intimidate and
silence Afghan women. "We are not afraid of repression, threats,
imprisonment and torture of the Taliban," the protesting women of Kapisa
province said in an interview with NuJINHA. "We will keep resisting.
What we are afraid of is that the voices of women would be silenced. We
are determined not to bow to the Taliban and believe that we can defeat
the Taliban by struggling." >>
Source:
https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/women-of-kapisa-believe-they-can-defeat-the-taliban-by-struggling-35868?page=1
Women put their signature
Jinha - Womens News Agency - Oct. 22, 2024 - by YUSRA AL-EHMED
<<Women put their signature to many successes in liberated Raqqa
Seven years have passed since Raqqa was liberated from ISIS. Since then,
women have put their signature to many successes in all facets of life,
including politics, military, art and culture.
Raqqa- Seven years have passed since Raqqa was liberated from ISIS.
Since then, women have achieved significant gains in all facets of life
by mobilizing around Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan's system based on
democracy. NuJINHA spoke to some women of Raqqa about what has changed
since Raqqa was liberated from ISIS. "The Women's Defense Units (YPJ)
and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) played an important role in
liberating Raqqa from ISIS," said Itemad El Ahmed, member of Syrian
Women's Council. "The fighters sacrificed their lives to eliminate the
world's most dangerous terrorist group."
'Women have put their signature to many successes'
"Life changed for women when Raqqa was liberated," Itemad El Ahmed
stressed. "After the city was liberated, women began to participate in
decision-making positions in all facets of life, including communes and
assemblies. They have put their signature to many successes in all
facets of life, including politics, military, art and culture and social
life. One of the most important gains achieved by women is their
participation in the military. The Zenubya Women's Community founded in
the city makes great efforts to change the patriarchal mindset in the
city and protect women from oppression caused by this mindset."
'A free society is possible with free women'
Noting that they have embraced the life philosophy of Kurdish leader
Abdullah Ocalan, she said, "Leader Ocalan mentions women's issues in
many of his books. We have taken important steps towards change in the
light of his philosophy. Thanks to this philosophy, we, as women, get to
know our reality, become aware of our roles in society, and have a
strong will. A free society is possible with free women."
'We make efforts to follow in the footsteps of our martyrs'
Women pay the heaviest price of the Syrian crisis, Itemad El Ahmed
stated, adding: "After ISIS entered the region, women were subjected to
many rights violations; they paid the heaviest price. The ongoing Syrian
crisis has doubled their suffering. The establishment of the Syrian
Women's Council was very important for women. As the council, we have
participated in international forums, strengthened women’s political
participation, worked to find a solution to the Syrian crisis and to
participate in the negotiation process to resolve the Syrian crisis. We
aim to unite Syrian women both inside and outside Syria. As women, we
should unite under the umbrella of the Syrian Women's Council to protect
our gains. We should make more efforts to follow in the footsteps of our
martyrs." >>
Source incl. video:
https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/women-put-their-signature-to-many-successes-in-liberated-raqqa-35867?page=1
Medyanews - October 22, 2024
<<Raqqa city experiences a democratic resurgence after years of ISIS
rule
The city of Raqqa (Reqa), which is celebrating its 7th anniversary of
liberation from ISIS occupation on 17 October, is undergoing a profound
transformation. Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan's
model of 'democratic nation' has allowed the city to flourish, by
embracing the diversity of the various ethnic groups living in the city.
The city of Raqqa in north-eastern Syria was liberated from ISIS rule on
17 October 2017 and has since undergone a profound transformation. While
it suffered marginalisation and looting under ISIS and before that under
the Assad regime, the model of a democratic nation has allowed the city
to flourish and its different ethnic groups to live together in harmony
and justice.
Raqqa under the Assad regime and the ISIS caliphate
The city of Raqqa became known as the 'capital’ of ISIS' caliphate,
during its expansion in Iraq and Syria. Despite this notoriety, Raqqa
is, in fact, an ancient and historic city with many monuments and a
large archaeological world heritage site. It's situated on the banks of
the Euphrates in Mesopotamia, the so-called 'cradle of humanity', where
civilisation is thought to first have flourished. During the Assad
regime, Raqqa was subjected to a policy of isolation and economic
deprivation, which led to its marginalisation. Assad's policies also
exploited the presence of different ethnic groups in the city - such as
Arabs, Kurds and Turkmen - for its own power interests, undermining the
city's peace. After the Arab Spring in 2011, Raqqa rose up against the
Assad regime and control of the city was soon taken by the so-called
Free Syrian Army (FSA) in 2013. A year later, ISIS mercenaries entered
the city. From 2013 until the liberation of the city in 2017, there was
little information about what was happening inside Raqqa. During these
years, however, the FSA and later ISIS gangs committed all kinds of
injustices and atrocities against the population.
The liberation and the reconstruction
The efforts to liberate Raqqa were launched by the Syrian Democratic
Forces (SDF) on 6 November 2016. The campaign was launched with the
declaration: "Raqqa will be liberated by the hands of its sons and
factions, by Arabs, Kurds and Turkmen, the heroes united under the
banner of the Syrian Democratic Forces". In about a year, the SDF's
trained forces liberated the outskirts and centre of Raqqa. The city was
finally reclaimed on 17 October 2017. Even before the full liberation of
the city, efforts were made to rebuild its administration and civic
life. The displaced residents of Raqqa began to organise themselves by
forming the Raqqa Civil Council in the city of Ain Issa on 18 April
2017, in order to provide services and solve the problems faced by
residents. The Council moved to Raqqa on 4 April 2018 to facilitate
organisation and coordination. The establishment of the Raqqa Civil
Council was a strong signal of the willingness of the people of Raqqa to
rebuild and reorganise the city after the dark times they'd experienced.
The era of freedom
After the liberation of Raqqa, the city entered a new era, described by
its residents as the era of freedom, in which work began on establishing
a decentralised democratic system based on the ideology of 'democratic
nation' and the ideas of PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan. A number of
institutions and councils were established to allow residents to
organise their lives on the basis of democratic principles of inclusion
and self-governance. One of the biggest problems under the Assad regime
has been the conflicts between different ethnic-religious groups. These
tensions were often fuelled by the regime on the basis of extremist and
radical ideas, but did not achieve any other result than creating
violence, suffering and injustice for the people. Since the liberation
of the city, however, the conflicts have begun to be resolved. "With the
liberation of the city and the entry of the SDF into the Raqqa region
and the return of the residents, the ideas of the democratic nation and
the culture of accepting others and the diversity of components and
ethnicities began to spread," explains Hassan Al-Mustafa, a member of
the Democratic Autonomous Administration of Raqqa. The credit for this
goes to the thought and philosophy of the leader, Abdullah Ocalan, who
advocated equality, freedom for peoples and solidarity and cooperation
between all components. The battle to liberate Raqqa resulted in the
destruction of 80% of buildings and infrastructure, some of which was
damaged by ISIS to make access to the city more difficult. As part of
the reconstruction efforts, the important Al-Rashid Bridge, destroyed by
ISIS, was rebuilt in less than two years and opened to the public on 7
June 2023.
A future on the path of the democratic nation
On the 7th anniversary of the city's liberation, it is clear how much
progress has been made in resurrecting Raqqa from its darkest days. Like
other cities in northeastern Syria liberated from ISIS occupation, such
as Manbij (Minbic) Raqqa is undergoing a deep process of democratisation
and inclusion. Despite the presence of ISIS cells in the region, which
often provoke clashes with SDF security forces, the influence of PKK
leader Abdullah Ocalan's model of a democratic state is driving the
city's transformation. The city of Raqqa, which was occupied by ISIS,
marginalised during the rule of the Damascus government and plundered
during the rule of the so-called Free Syrian Army, has become a centre
for spreading the philosophy and idea of acceptance of the other and
coexistence based on the principles of equality and social justice.>>
Source:
https://medyanews.net/raqqa-city-celebrates-a-democratic-resurgence-after-years-of-isis-rule/
Medyanews - October 20, 2024
<<Fadıl Şenyaşar released from Turkish prison, family continues fight
for justice
The Şenyaşar family has pledged to persist in their quest for justice
after the release of Fadıl Şenyaşar, who was imprisoned in Turkey for
over six years following an attack on his family which resulted in the
murder of three of his family members by individuals connected to the
country's ruling AKP in Suruç in 2018. After more than six years of
incarceration, Fadıl Şenyaşar has been released from prison following a
ruling by Malatya Severe Penalty Court No.3. He has been released under
house arrest, along with other detainees from the case of the attack in
Suruç in 2018 in which several members of his family were killed.
Despite this step forward, the Şenyaşar family has pledged to continue
their legal battle for full justice.
"We have waited for this moment for six years and four months. If there
had been a fair and impartial trial in Turkey, my brother would have
been home within a month," said Fadıl's brother Ferit Şenyaşar outside
the court. "Unfortunately, the fair trial we hoped for somehow never
took place," he added. Throughout the past six years, the mother of the
family, Emine Şenyaşar, has led a tireless campaign for justice, which
drew national attention. "All state institutions stood powerless before
this mother's fight," Ferit remarked. He said that despite the joy of
Fadıl's release, the struggle for justice is far from over. "We will not
say that justice has been served just because our brother has been
released. Our legal fight will continue. There are still hundreds, if
not thousands, of people in prison like my brother," he said, pledging
to continue their battle. Speaking about his mother's role in the
campaign, Ferit said that her determination has become an example for
others facing injustice. "At the beginning, people passing by would say,
'You're doing this in vain, they won't hear you.' But today, we've seen
the results of our fight," he said. Fadıl Şenyaşar, who has been
released after over six years of imprisonment, also voiced his
frustration, directing his words at those who remained silent in the
face of the family's suffering. "May God make all those who caused my
mother’s tears and those who remained silent feel the same pain with
their own children so they can understand," he said. He vowed to
continue their fight, adding, "The people who brought us to this point
will one day be held accountable. Everyone should know that." The
release comes after an extended period of legal battles following the
attack in Suruç, Urfa (Riha), in 2018, which resulted in the deaths of
three Şenyaşar family members. The incident, involving individuals
linked to former Justice and Development Party (AKP) MP İbrahim Halil
Yıldız, sparked widespread outrage and a prolonged campaign for justice
led by Emine and Ferit Şenyaşar.>>
Source incl. video:
https://medyanews.net/fadil-senyasar-released-from-turkish-prison-family-continues-fight-for-justice/
Medyanews - October 19, 2024
<<Turkish government rejects dialogue process on Kurdish question
Turkish government figures state they are not seeking peace talks but
pursuing a <strong political and military strategy,> denying rumours of
dialogue with imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan. An adviser to
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Mehmet Uçum, has denied that
Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and Nationalist
Movement Party (MHP) are looking for peace talks. Instead, he defined
peace talks as a strategy from the past that did not produce results and
therefore would not be resorted to by the state. Efkan Ala, AKP Deputy
Chair, said that the AKP and MHP have no plans to meet or negotiate with
the imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan. The statements of the two
politicians come after the unexpected handshake between MHP leader
Devlet Bahçeli and the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM)
Party Co-chair Tuncer Bakırhan. The handshake raised discussions about
whether it could be seen as a sign of a change in the attitude of
Turkey's ruling AKP and MHP towards the Kurds. Turkey's pro-Kurdish DEM
Party urges sincerity from Bahçeli and government on peace. In a tweet,
Uçum said the state had opted for "strong and effective political and
military strategies". Since the collapse of the last peace talks with
the Kurdish leader of the PKK in 2015, Turkey has been attacking
Kurdish-populated areas inside and outside Turkish territory. Addressing
the DEM Party, Uçum accused it of providing terrorist tutelage in
parliament. He also threatened that if the DEM Party "does not make use
of the opportunity to get rid of the terrorist tutelage offered to it
socially and politically, or if it abuses this opportunity, then the
terrorist tutelage carried out through the DEM in the Parliament will be
eliminated through the law. This is also an unavoidable reality."
Ocalan's lawyer calls new negotiation claims 'manipulative' as Erdogan's
aides deny peace talks. On the same day, the co-chairs of the DEM Party,
Bakırhan and Hatimogulları, held a closed meeting with journalists in
which they expressed the importance of achieving peace with the Kurds.
They stressed the importance of taking concrete steps towards the
recognition of the Kurdish people and their rights, including cultural
and linguistic rights. They also emphasised the need to make progress on
the rights of political prisoners. "If peace is truly desired, certain
conditions must be met. Lifting Ocalan's isolation, implementing
European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) rulings, and alleviating the
situation in prisons are necessary steps," said co-chair Hatimogulları.
Bakırhan concluded the meeting, stating that the DEM Party, as a
democratic force and the third-largest party in Turkey, is ready to be
an actor if a dialogue is to be started. It is noteworthy that in the
past few days, other politicians of the DEM Party have also expressed
the need to carefully evaluate the statements of the Turkish government
and to demand accountable steps for a democratic and peaceful solution
to the Kurdish question.
Veteran Kurdish politician Turk: 'We can't be convinced without action'
Turkey must overcome confinement, says Onder in peace appeal>>
Source:
https://medyanews.net/turkish-government-rejects-dialogue-process-on-kurdish-question/
Medyanews - October 18, 2024
<<'It is our duty to talk about Gulistan Tara, Hero Bahadin' - an
interview with Alice Magar
"When we arrived there was still a black spot representing the place
where the burning car stopped after being hit by the drone fire." French
journalist Alice Magar speaks with Medya News about her experience
visiting the site where Kurdish journalists Gulistan Tara and Hero
Bahadin were killed. After travelling to Sulaymaniyah (Silêmanî) in the
Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) as part of a journalist delegation, where
she visited the site where Kurdish journalists Gulistan Tara and Hero
Bahadin were killed by a Turkish drone strike and spoke to people who
knew them, journalist Alice Magar spoke with Medya News about her
experience.
Alice Magar is a French journalist based in Marseille in the south of
France, where she works for the daily newspaper "La Marseillaise".
Calling it "shameful and aberrant" that their deaths went unnoticed on
the international scene, Magar said that it is "our duty as European
media to talk about what happened to Gulistan Tara and Hero Bahadin."
Magar also spent time learning about the role of women in Kurdish media,
meeting with the all-women television channel Jin TV and learning how
women organise themselves to play a leading role in the Chatr media
production company, the company Gulistan Tara and Hero Bahadin worked
for at the time of their assasinations. This is the second exclusive
interview with a member of the journalist delegation. Medya News also
spoke to French journalist Emma Audrey, which can be seen here.
Read Magar's account below, or watch the video interview in full.
Medya News: Can you introduce yourself? What is your name, where are you
from and what is your journalistic background?
Alice Magar: My name is Alice Magar, I'm 26 years old and I live in
Marseille in the south of France and I’m working there for a daily
newspaper which is called La Marseillaise. I’m talking a lot about
social issues and we are also talking a lot about the Kurdish problem.
So, you just joined a delegation that went to the south of Kurdistan.
What were your reasons for joining this delegation?
So, we have a lot of Kurdish people in Marseille and it's a subject that
we report about a lot. So it was really important for us to be a part of
this delegation and…
The fact that these two deaths went unnoticed on the international
scene, that it was a subject only in Kurdistan and that it was not
talked about at all in France, apart from Reporterres sans Frontiere and
l'Orient le Jour who did articles about it. I found it shameful and
aberrant, and so it was important for me to go and shed light on this
crime.
When you went to Southern Kurdistan, you also went to the site where the
Kurdish journalists Gulistan Tara and Hero Bahadin were killed by a
Turkish drone strike. Can you tell me which observations you made there?
When we arrived there was still a black spot representing the place
where the burning car stopped after being hit by the drone fire. It was
explained to us that the car had been hit a hundred metres before and
that it had finished its run there. At the spot where the shot was
fired, we went to look on the road, and there was still a hole with
metal parts of the bomb that hadn't been removed. This is proof that the
authorities haven't really investigated what happened.
When you went to Sulaymaniyah (Silemani), you met people that knew both
Gulistan Tara and Hero Bahadin personally and heard many memories by
their colleagues, friends and families. Which memory or which story
touched you the most?
We had the possibility to talk with the colleagues and to get to know
them in a better way. We spoke with two friends of Gulistan Tara and
Hero Bahadin. We learned that Gulîstan was really the mother of the
editorial team, that she had this very maternal aura and was always
helping people to feel better, to de-stress. She put a smile on
everyone's face. She was very pedagogical, trying to teach the tricks of
the media work to everyone she came into contact with. She was a very
experienced journalist, who knew a lot about all political and social
issues, and she didn't hesitate to pass on her knowledge to everyone. As
for Hero, I spoke a lot to Denis, who was her trainer and very close to
her. He explained to me that she was a very strong, very independent
woman, who didn't need or want a man. She made her own way. She had a
lot of dreams, and wanted to go to Germany to study. He also said that
she didn't have many friends, but when she did have friends, she did
everything for them. For her, it was really a commitment to have a
friendly relationship with someone.
During the delegation, you also visited a lot of journalistic
institutions. What did you learn about the situation of women in
journalism in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq?
We went to see Jin TV, a TV channel entirely made and run by women. I
was actually very impressed to see the role and place that women have in
Kurdish media. Chatr media, for example, has weekly women-only meetings
to reflect on how topics have been covered in the past and how they can
highlight women's voices in the coming weeks. There are also seminars
run by women on media-related topics. This enables them to broaden their
horizons and learn more about society in general. There's a real effort
being made to bring women’s voices to the fore, and it's work that's
being done by women. It's important because who better to talk about
women than women themselves?
Is there anything else you want to share?
Yes, I want to say that even if it seems far away, it is our duty as
European media to talk about what happened to Gulistan Tara and Hero
Bahadin. It's not a Kurdish issue, it's about freedom of speech, and
freedom of the press and it should concern everybody in Europe and also
worldwide.
Thank you a lot.
Thank you too.>>
Source:
https://medyanews.net/it-is-our-duty-to-talk-about-gulistan-tara-hero-bahadin-an-interview-with-alice-magar/
Demsal Cooperative
Jinha - Womens News Agency - Oct. 18, 2024 - by RONIDA HACI
<<Demsal Cooperative promotes women's economic empowerment in Hasakah
Kongra Star Economy Committee in Hasakah started Demsal Cooperative
promoting women’s economic empowerment for the socioeconomic development
and building a free and democratic society.
Hasakah- Kongra Star Economy Committee develops projects to promote
women's economic empowerment. In 2018, the committee started a
cooperative called "Demsal" in the city of Hasakah. Since then, the
committee has developed and realized many projects to increase women's
labor force participation. Inanna Restaurant, one of these projects,
offers large thin float bread, seasonal food and products. The
cooperative creates employment for 10 women.
Why Demsal?
We decided to name the cooperative "Demsal" because it means season in
Kurdish, said Nisrîn Şêxo, one of the managers of the cooperative.
"Women play an important role in all facets of life, ensuring the
reliable, equal and just development of the social economy," she told
NuJINHA. "We know that the cooperative system will be developed by
women's leadership. We named the cooperative 'Demsal' because we offer
food and productions for four seasons. These days, women work to prepare
canned food such as apples, zucchini, grapes, eggplant marmalades and
jams and make cheese and tomato paste. Next month, we will make fruit
paste and walnuts on a string dipped in starch grape molasses to be
consumed by people celebrating the beginning of the year."
10 women work at restaurant
The cooperative creates employment for 10 women. "10 women work for the
cooperative in solidarity with each other. The Demsal Cooperative has
many projects and one of them is the Inanna Restaurant offering large
thin float bread, seasonal food and products. Since Hasakah suffers from
water outages, the cooperative provides a space for people to wash their
carpets."
'We want women to achieve their economic independence'
The Inanna Restaurant plays an important role in the development of the
Demsal Cooperative, Nisrin Şexo emphasized. "Inanna is the ancient
Mesopotamian goddess of love, war, and fertility. She controls both life
and death. We named our restaurant as Inanna because all the local
dishes offered by our restaurant are cooked and served by women. We want
women to achieve their economic independence through cooperatives."
'Women's solidarity leads the cooperative to success'
"Women's solidarity leads the cooperative to success," said Celila Hisen,
one of the founders of the cooperative. "I am one of the founders of the
cooperative. 10 women work for the cooperative by supporting and being
in solidarity with each other. Both Kurdish and Arab women work for the
cooperative. The aim of the cooperative is to promote women's economic
empowerment." >>
Source incl. video:
https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/demsal-cooperative-promotes-women-s-economic-empowerment-in-hasakah-35849?page=1
Jinha - Womens News Agency - Oct. 17, 2024 - by SARYA DENIZ
<<'The ruling party uses schools for its goals'
"Turkiye has been experiencing its most oppressive period in history,"
said Emine Akyazılı, member of the DEM Party Education Commission,
stressing that the monist policies of the 'one-man regime' continue in
the education system.
News Center- The Turkish education system has recently faced many
problems. In addition to the deep poverty faced by children in the
country, schools are defined as centers based on standardization, gender
inequality and discrimination. Several days ago, the Peoples' Equality
and Democracy Party (DEM Party) held a conference to discuss the Turkish
education system with the participation of education experts. NuJINHA
spoke to Emine Akyazılı, member of the DEM Party Education Commission,
about the Turkish education system based on standardization, gender
inequality and discrimination.
'The monist policies continue in the education system'
The observation saying, "Assimilationist education rejecting different
identities and cultures has become the fundamental policy", shows what
the AKP government and its partners have recently created in the
education system. "Assimilationist policies are policies that have been
produced since the foundation of the Republic of Turkiye," said Emine
Akyazılı. "Since then, governments have always followed assimilationist
policies; they have produced more oppressive policies when necessary.
Since its foundation, educational programs and hidden curricula have
been implemented in the country to form and strengthen the Turkish and
Islamic identity, ignoring and marginalizing other ethnic and religious
identities. Today, the monist policies of the 'one-man regime' continue.
Turkiye has been experiencing its most oppressive period in history.
There are efforts to rebuild the educational system based Islamic
norms."
'The ruling party uses all the tools for its goals'
The ruling party aims to build a society according to its political and
ideological goals through education, Emine Akyazılı emphasized, adding:
"It uses all the tools for its goals. The militarist, monist and sexist
policies of the government aim to build a society based on its own
political and ideological goals. The aim is to raise individuals who do
not ask questions, do not criticize, only obey through projects and
protocols made with various foundations, associations and sects."
No education without the mother tongue
The Kurdish people and other nationalities and ethnic groups living in
Turkiye are prohibited from demanding education in their mother tongue,
Emine Akyazılı said. "In education, there is discrimination based on
ethnic identity. The first issue on the agenda is education in the
mother tongue. In order to talk about the right to education, all
different identities in the country should be included in education.
Everyone has the right to receive education in their mother tongue." In
2012, when Recep Tayyip Erdogan was the prime minister in the country,
he said, "We want to raise a religious generation." In May 2024, the
Turkish Ministry of Education approved the draft of <The Century of
Turkiye Education Model (Turkish: Turkiye Yuzyılı Maarif Modeli)>
focusing on religious and national values. "The ruling party aims to
raise a religious generation but it cannot. Such practices just alienate
young people from religion," Emine Akyazılı told us.
'An inclusive education system must be built'
"Change takes time," Emine Akyazılı underlined. "Change is possible
through an education system based on equality, democracy and freedom.
Efforts should be made to ensure gender equality in education. Feminist
perspective should prevail at every stage of education and the
curriculum that reinforces gender roles should be changed. An inclusive
education system must be built for women, LGBTI+ individuals and
children." >>
Source:
https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/the-ruling-party-uses-schools-for-its-goals-35836?page=1
Rojin Kabaiş - NO to femicide Protest
Medyanews - October 17, 2024
<<Rojin Kabaiş's death sparks protests against femicide in Van
The tragic death of Rojin Kabaiş has sparked protests in Van (Wan), with
demonstrators highlighting femicide as a systemic problem and demanding
urgent action to protect women. The body of Rojin Kabaiş, a 21-year-old
university student, was found on the shores of Lake Van (Wan) on Tuesday
after a long search, marking the latest case in Turkey's ongoing
femicide crisis. Kabaiş, a first-year student at Van Yuzuncu Yıl
University's Faculty of Education, was last seen on 27 September. Her
disappearance triggered an extensive search involving various security
forces, culminating in her tragic discovery 18 days later near the
village of Mollakasım. This incident reignited public anger over the
rising trend of femicides, with Kabaiş's case following closely on the
heels of other highly publicised murders. Protesters, led by local
women's groups such as Wan Women Platform, gathered to demand justice
and accountability. They marched with banners bearing slogans such as
'Jin, Jiyan, Azadi' (Women, Life, Freedom) and 'Justice for Rojin is
Justice for All', underlining their message that femicide is a systemic
and political problem in Turkey. Zeynep Tagtekin, of the Star Women's
Association, spoke to the assembled crowd, highlighting the political
dimension of femicide in Turkey. "These acts of violence are not
isolated incidents, but reflect a deeper, systematic problem rooted in
patriarchy and state neglect," she said. Tagtekin criticised the state
and law enforcement for failing to protect women, claiming that
patriarchal structures actively contribute to the crisis by prioritising
male-dominated systems over women's safety.
At Van Yuzuncu Yıl University, students organised a separate protest for
their fellow student Rojin Kabaiş, demanding an effective investigation
into her death. They marched around the campus holding banners that read
"Where is Gulistan?", "Women live freedom", and "We don't want
foreigners on the campus". The students also called for the rector of
the university to resign and criticised policies that they said did not
ensure women's safety on campus. Despite police attempts to break up the
demonstration, the students continued, demanding that women's voices be
heard. The protests in Van (Wan) drew attention to wider patterns of
gender-based violence in Turkey, where activists argue that state
policies have exacerbated the problem. They pointed to cases like that
of Gulistan Doku, who remains missing, and Narin Guran, whose unsolved
murder has also sparked public outrage. Many accuse the state of showing
leniency to perpetrators of violence against women through practices
such as reduced sentences for 'good behaviour'. Following her death,
Kabaiş was laid to rest in an emotional ceremony, with women carrying
her coffin on their shoulders as a symbol of solidarity and mourning.
She was buried amidst tears as mourners called for justice and an end to
the femicides plaguing the country. Kabaiş's death has once again
highlighted the importance of the Istanbul Convention and laws designed
to protect women, as activists call for their effective implementation
and restoration.>>
Source:
https://medyanews.net/rojin-kabaiss-death-sparks-protests-against-femicide-in-van/
Women's
Liberation Front 2019/cryfreedom.net 2024