CRY FREEDOM.net
formerly known as
Women's Liberation Front
'Insight is the first step of resistance against any ideologic form of dictatorial and misogynistic oppression'
and
'Freedom is like a bird
that nests in ones' soul'

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. 
Gino d'Artali
indept investigative journalist
radical feminist and women's rights activist 

'WOMEN, LIFE, FREEDOM'


You are now at the section on what is happening in the rest of the Middle east
(Updates Jan 24, 2025)
 
For the Iran 'Woman, Life, Freedom' Iran   
Updated Jan 22, 2025

2025: Jan wk4 -- Jan Wk 3 -- Jan wk2
2024: Dec wk2 -- Dec wk1P2 -- Dec wk1
Click here for an overview of the Women's Arab Spring Revolt 1.2 2024 and 2023

 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.

Pakhshan Azizi: A symbol of resistance
Medyanews - January 23, 2025
<<Pakhshan Azizi: A symbol of resistance in ongoing struggle for Kurdish and Iranian women’s freedom
Zilan Vejin, the former co-chair of the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) and a prominent political figure, recently authored an article for the Firat News Agency, shedding light on the extraordinary resistance of Pakhshan Azizi, a Kurdish civil activist sentenced to death by the Iranian regime. Vajin emphasised the critical need to amplify support for Azizi, whose unwavering defiance stands as a testament to the relentless fight for justice.
In her article, published a day before the general strike in Iranian Kurdistan (Rojhilat) on Firat News Agency, Zilan Vejin, the former co-chair of the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) and a prominent women political figure, examines the broader resistance of Kurdish and Iranian women against the oppressive Islamic Republic of Iran. She underscores Pakhshan Azizi’s unwavering defiance, portraying her as a symbol of women’s resistance and a leading figure in the women’s scouting movement. Vejin further highlights the critical role of civil society organisations, particularly the “Mothers of Peace” in Sanandaj (Sine), Iranian Kurdistan, in mobilising and sustaining resistance.
In this context, Vejin writes: “The steadfast stance of the ‘Mothers of Peace’ in Sanandaj proves that no amount of state oppression can suppress the voices and demands of women and civil society in Iranian Kurdistan. Society has reached a level of awareness that defies injustice and refuses to bow to tyranny. These values have become the bedrock of the collective democratic struggle of the Iranian people, especially women.” Zilan Vejin highlights the unwavering defiance of women like Pakhshan Azizi, Warisheh Moradi, and Golrokh Iraei within the oppressive confines of Iranian prisons. She argues that their resistance against patriarchal and religious oppression has simultaneously struck fear into the Iranian regime and ignited a wave of inspiration among women. According to Vejin, their courage has radicalised the struggle for equality and justice, further energising the movement for liberation and change.
The uprising of Jin, Jiyan, Azadi
Reflecting on the impacts of the “Jin, Jiyan, Azadi” (Woman, Life, Freedom) uprising, Vejin contends that this movement has transformed collective anger and grief into an unyielding struggle against the Iranian regime. She argues that the core values embedded in this slogan, championed by women, have left an indelible mark on the Iranian political landscape. These values, Vejin believes, will serve as guiding principles for the region’s future, etched permanently into the collective consciousness of society.
A vision for the future
In the context of rising tensions between Iran and Western nations, coupled with fears of a potential “Syrianisation” of Iran, Vejin underscores the critical role of women in shaping the future of Iran and Kurdistan’s political future. She asserts that a democratic Iran cannot be built upon patriarchal, nationalist, or religious ideologies. Instead, the progressive vision of women like Zeyneb Jalalian, Warisheh Moradi, and Pakhshan Azizi—anchored in the philosophy of “Jin, Jiyan, Azadi”—presents a pathway toward a more equitable and inclusive future.
Solidarity and collective action
Vejin draws attention to the arrest of Ahou Daryaei, a Persian women student at Tehran’s Islamic Azad University, whose defiance against patriarchal norms exemplifies the growing resistance among women. However, she cautions that individual acts of bravery must evolve into collective movements to achieve lasting change. Vejin urges for greater solidarity and widespread organisation among women to dismantle the regime’s oppressive structures.
Pakhshan Azizi: A beacon of resistance
Vejin reflects on Azizi’s personal struggle and her writings from prison, describing them as a manifesto of the shared identity and resistance of Kurdish and Iranian women. Azizi’s words, Vojin argues, encapsulate the unspoken pain and resilience of countless women—those silenced during interrogations, executed without trial, or killed and forgotten. In conclusion, Vejin asserts that figures such as Zeynab Jalalian, Warisheh Moradi, and especially Pakhshan Azizi, embody not only the struggles of Kurdish women but also the collective suffering and defiance of women across the Middle East. Their legacies, she argues, illuminate the path toward solidarity, democracy, and the abolition of executions. For Vejin, Azizi stands as a symbol of Kurdish women’s enduring resistance and a trailblazer in the fight for freedom—a cultural icon whose influence transcends borders.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/pakhshan-azizi-a-symbol-of-resistance-in-ongoing-struggle-for-kurdish-and-iranian-womens-freedom/


Pakhshan Azizi and Verisheh Moradi
Jinha - Womens News Agency - January 24, 2025
<<Hannah Neumann: Pakhshan Azizi and Verisheh Moradi embody everything this regime fears
“Pakhshan Azizi and Verisheh Moradi embody everything this regime fears,” said Hannah Neumann, member of the European Parliament, stressing that these two women would be heroes in a normal country.
News Center- Hannah Neumann, member of the European Parliament and Chair for the Delegation for relations with Iran, posted a message on the social media platform X on Thursday about the death sentences handed down to Pakhshan Azizi and Verisheh Moradi. In the message, Hannah Neumann called for the death sentences handed down to the two Kurdish women to be stopped and said, “Pakhshan Azizi cared for the wounded and displaced in Rojava, helping those fleeing from the brutality of ISIS. Verisheh Moradi fought against ISIS herself on the front lines in Kobane, defending not only lives but also human dignity. “In a normal country, these two would be heroes. In Iran, they face death row. For the first time in years, the regime threatens to execute women political prisoners. And these death sentences are nothing but acts of revenge. Revenge by the Islamic regime against women, against Kurds and against the ideals of Woman Life Freedom: self-determination and bravery. Revenge because so many still dare to speak out - and the only response this regime knows is to crush dissent by brutal force. Yes, the henchmen of this regime can imprison people, but this will only amplify the unstoppable call for freedom. Pakhshan and Verisheh embody everything this regime fears; Jin, Jiyan, Azadi.”>>
Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/hannah-neumann-pakhshan-azizi-and-verisheh-moradi-embody-everything-this-regime-fears-36407


Freedom for Ocalan
Jinha - Womens News Agency - January 23, 2025
<<‘Initiative-Freedom for Öcalan’ launched in Iraq
A group of activists, journalists, writers, artists and politicians has launched the “Initiative- Freedom for Öcalan” in Iraq.
News Center- A group of activists, journalists, writers, artists and politicians has launched the “Initiative- Freedom for Öcalan” in Iraq. “It’s time for this great philosopher and his people to live freely,” said the statement released by the group.
The statement is as follows:
“Abdullah Öcalan has struggled for freedom and fraternity of not only the Kurdish people but also the Middle Eastern people. We have launched an initiative to promote and spread the ideology of Abdullah Öcalan and carry out cultural and intellectual activities for his freedom. He has made great sacrifices for the legitimate cause of his people and paid a heavy price for freedom. For 26 years, he has been held in prison, isolated from the world, his people and Middle Eastern people. He has been struggling for freedom for more than 30 years. The thoughts and ideology of Abdullah Öcalan impress all over the world. Those who arrested him are now bargaining with him. As a group of intellectuals, journalists, writers, artists and politicians defending freedom and equality, we announce that we have launched the ‘Inıtiative- Freedom for Öcalan’. It is time for the whole world to stand in solidarity with this philosopher, political leader, and prisoner who loves freedom and fights for it as a sacred right for all people. It’s time for this great philosopher and his people to live freely.”>>
Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/initiative-freedom-for-Ocalan-launched-in-iraq-36397?page=1


Strike of teachers in Yemen
Jinha - Womens News Agency - January 23, 2025 - RANIA ABDULLAH
<<Strike of teachers in Yemen continues
Since December 2024, teachers in Yemen have been on a comprehensive strike, demanding better salaries and working conditions.
Yemen- Yemen has been suffering from the growing economic crisis, the ongoing conflict, exacerbating poverty and hunger. Since December 2024, teachers in Yemen’s Taiz province have been on a comprehensive strike, demanding better salaries, working conditions and the improvement of their living conditions. The teachers say their strike will continue until their demands are met.
‘Our salary is insufficient to provide for our basic needs’
“The economic crisis has been deteriorating,” said Donia Ali Hassan, who has been working as an English teacher since 2010. “As male and female teachers, we face a real tragedy. The relevant authorities must take serious action to improve our living conditions.” In the country, the salary of teachers is less than 40 dollars. “Our salary is insufficient to provide for our basic needs. When we pay the rent and bills, we have no money left to buy food.”
‘Our demands are not illegal demands’
In the country, many women are the breadwinners of their families. “Many women have to be breadwinners of their families because of the deaths of fathers and husbands in the war. Women have no choice but to work and earn. All our demands are simple and they are not illegal demands. We demand for a hike in our salaries according to the current economic conditions and the ongoing depreciation of the local currency. Education is halted in Taiz because our demands are not met. Our strike will continue until our demands are met.” “Teachers work hard and devotedly,” said Ashwaq Al-Asbahi, another teacher in Taiz. “However, we are paid salaries that are insufficient due to difficult living conditions. Our demands must be immediately met.” Parents criticize the government for not meeting the demands of the teachers. “Our children are deprived of education due to the strike,” said Israa, one of the parents. “Education guarantees the future of our children. The government must immediately meet the demands of the teachers because education should not be halted anymore.>>
Video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/strike-of-teachers-in-yemen-continues-36393?page=1

Medyanews - January 22, 2025
<<Domestic press unions condemn Turkey’s crackdown on journalists
Thirteen journalists have been arrested, two killed, and several media outlets censored within a month in Turkey. Press unions decry the repression as a targeted attack on the free press and society’s right to information.
“Free press is targeted because of its significant role and influence on society,” said Roza Metina, President of the Mesopotamian Women Journalists Association (MKG), following the arrest of six journalists on 21 January in Van (Wan), İstanbul, and Mersin. The arrests mark the latest escalation in a month of intensified repression, which has seen 13 journalists detained, two killed in a drone strike, and several independent outlets silenced through social media bans. The wave of attacks began on 19 December when journalists Nazım Daştan and Cîhan Bilgin were killed in a drone strike in northeast Syria while covering local developments. Protests in İstanbul on 22 December against their killings led to the arrest of seven journalists and two activists. By 5 January, several independent media outlets, including Mezopotamya Agency, JINNEWS, and Yeni Yaşam, faced social media bans, further limiting press freedom. “Free press is being targeted because it does not fulfil the orders of a monistic, misogynistic government and those who thrive on chaos,” Metina continued. “Nazım and Cihan were killed for reflecting the truth. Despite difficult conditions, they held onto their cameras and refused to retreat. Those who protested their deaths were arrested for declaring, ‘We will not bow down.’ These attacks will not stop us because our power comes from our history and struggle.” Selman Çiçek, Co-Chair of the Dicle Fırat Journalists Association (DFG), highlighted the systematic nature of the oppression. “The detention of six colleagues yesterday is neither the first nor the last. Attacks on the free press are increasing. These figures only exist in countries lacking freedom of thought and expression. But as long as we continue to write the truth, the government’s mask will fall.” Turgut Dedeoğlu, President of the Confederation of Revolutionary Trade Unions of Turkey (DİSK) Press Union, emphasised the broader implications. “Restricting journalists’ freedom of expression is both a direct attack on the press and a violation of the public’s constitutional right to information. These arrests punish journalism itself. We vouch for the integrity of our colleagues and their work.”
The escalating repression of the press in Turkey has prompted urgent calls from international organisations to defend journalists and uphold press freedom.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/domestic-press-unions-condemn-turkeys-crackdown-on-journalists/

Jinha - Womens News Agency - January 22, 2025
<<Delegation from DEM Party to meet Abdullah Öcalan today
A delegation from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) will go to the prison island of Imrali on Wednesday to meet Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan.
News Center- A delegation from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) will reportedly go to the prison island of Imrali on Wednesday to meet Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan. On December 28, 2024, a delegation consisting of the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) MPs Pervin Buldan and Sırrı Süreyya Önder had a meeting with Abdullah Öcalan. After the meeting, a delegation consisting of Sırrı Süreyya Önder, Pervin Buldan and Ahmet Türk, the ousted Co-mayor of Mardin, held meetings with representatives of political parties, political prisoners and organizations. No information has been received about the members of the delegation to visit the prison on Wednesday (January 22).>>
Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/delegation-from-dem-party-to-meet-abdullah-Ocalan-today-36379?page=


Eylem Babayiğit
Jinha - Womens News Agency - January 22, 2025
<<Journalist Eylem Babayiğit detained in Istanbul
Journalist Eylem Babayiğit was detained in a dawn house raid in Istanbul on Wednesday.
News Center- Journalist Eylem Babayiğit was detained in a dawn house raid conducted in Istanbul on Wednesday as part of an investigation launched by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office. On January 17, six journalists -Necla Demir, Rahime Karvar, Ahmet Güneş, Welat Ekin, Vedat Örüç and Reyhan Hacıoğlu- were detained in dawn house raids as part of the same investigation. They were sent to prison on charges of “membership in an illegal organization” for their reports.>>
Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/journalist-eylem-babayigit-detained-in-istanbul-36386?page=1


Six journalists arrested
Medyanews - January 22, 2025
<<Turkey: Six journalists arrested for professional work, lawyer decries injustice
Turkish authorities arrest six journalists for alleged ‘terror links’, raising press freedom concerns. Lawyer Elif Taşdöğen claim predetermined rulings signal eroded legal standards. Six journalists were remanded in custody on Monday in Turkey, accused of “terror organisation membership” over their professional activities. Their lawyer, Elif Taşdöğen, criticised the process, describing it as “a predetermined ruling that disregarded fundamental rights”. Journalists Necla Demir, Rahime Karvar, Ahmet Güneş, Welat Ekin, Reyhan Hacıoğlu, and Vedat Örüç were detained following a series of coordinated police raids on 17 January in İstanbul, Diyarbakır (Amed), Van (Wan), and Mersin. Their arrests stemmed from their news reporting and participation in media discussions, according to local sources. The journalists faced a rushed judicial process, with no opportunity to present a defence. “There was no chance for a defence,” said Taşdöğen, representing Karvar. “The court’s approach, dismissing the need for proper questioning and forwarding the case directly to a ruling, exposes the state of our legal system. The decision appears prepared beforehand.” While four of the journalists were brought to İstanbul Courthouse for their hearings, Hacıoğlu and Örüç participated remotely via a video conferencing system. According to their accounts, police subjected Güneş and Ekin to violence during their transfer, allegedly attempting to force them into submission by pushing their heads downward. The court cited the journalists’ news reports and discussion programmes as evidence of terrorism links, a claim strongly denied by their lawyer. “These are legitimate journalistic activities protected by freedom of expression,” Taşdöğen stated. Karvar, during her testimony, declared, “I am a feminist journalist covering issues that matter. I regret none of my work and would do it all again.” Supporters of the detained journalists gathered outside the courthouse, chanting, “Free press cannot be silenced,” and displaying victory signs. The journalists, in messages sent from custody, reiterated their commitment to truthful reporting. “We will continue writing and amplifying voices,” they said.
In a related event, Gülistan Dursun, arrested alongside seven other journalists on 21 December, in Şişhane, İstanbul, for protesting the killing of Kurdish journalists Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin in a Turkish drone strike on 19 December, remains in Marmara (Silivri) Prison. During a call with her lawyer, she revealed that she is facing punitive actions for refusing to concede to the charge of “propaganda for a terror organisation”, imposed by the prison authorities. In addition to the arrest of 12 Kurdish journalists in Turkey over the past month, five more Kurdish journalists were killed by Turkish drones in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) and northern Syria during 2024.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/turkey-six-journalists-arrested-for-professional-work-lawyer-decries-injustice/

Medyanews - January 21, 2025
<<Turkish Police detain socialist leaders in dawn raids
Turkish police detained at least 20 people, including socialist party leaders, during dawn raids in İstanbul on Tuesday targeting left-wing groups. Authorities imposed secrecy on the investigation, barring lawyer access for 24 hours. Activists condemn the crackdown as politically motivated.
Turkish police detained at least 20 activists, including Deniz Aktaş, co-chair of the Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP), and Berfin Polat, co-chair of the Socialist Youth Associations Federation (SGDF), during dawn raids in İstanbul on Tuesday. The raids, conducted under the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s 2024 investigation, targeted members of ESP, the Socialist Women’s Assemblies (SKM), SGDF, and BEKSAV, a cultural research foundation. Lawyer access has been restricted for 24 hours, with authorities enforcing secrecy over the case. The detainees include prominent unionists, journalists, and political leaders, such as SKM spokesperson Tanya Kara and ESP executive Okan Danacı. Activists have criticised the arrests as part of a broader campaign against dissenting voices. Other detainees include Senem Nur Pektaş, SKM general council member; unionists Meliha Kayacı and Serpil Topal; journalist Züleyha Müldür; ESP members Ezgi Gürbüz, Emrah Topaloğlu, and Cafer Erözsoy; Gamze Toprak, ESP Sultangazi district co-chair; and activists Sezgin Zevkibol, Leyla Can, Simay Ada Kart, Erol Tunç, Eylül Öztürk, İbrahim Akbay, Berkan Deveci, and Beyza Nur Samancı. The Socialist Legal Bureau (EHB) reported additional search warrants for their clients, citing concerns about transparency and due process. The crackdown raises international alarm over Turkey’s treatment of political opposition. Meanwhile Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party condemned the detentions, stating on X (former Twitter): “We do not accept these arrests targeting our affiliate party ESP. Our comrades are not alone. Those who believe they can suppress socialists, revolutionaries, and patriots with raids and arrests will once again be proven wrong. Let us strengthen our united struggle for peace and democracy!”>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/turkish-police-detain-socialist-leaders-in-dawn-raids/

Jinha - Womens News Agency - January 21, 2025
<<Houthis commit more than 8,000 rights violations in Al-Bayda
The Houthis have committed more than 8,000 rights violations in Yemen’s Al-Bayda Governorate since 2015, said a report released by the Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms.
News Center- Yemen's civil war that began in 2014 when Houthis took control of Sanaa, Yemen’s capital and largest city, continues. The Houthis have committed 8,181 rights violations in Yemen’s Al-Bayda Governorate from January 2015 to January 2025, said a report released by the Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms. According to the report, these violations include killing, injuring, kidnapping, forced displacement and destruction of properties. The Houthis have killed 842 civilians, including women and children, and injured 931 others in the governorate, the report said. The Houthis snipers shot and killed 61 civilians, 285 others were killed by direct fire of the Houthis, 198 civilians were killed in artillery attacks launched by the Houthis and 214 civilians were killed in the explosion of landmines planted by the Houthis in the governorate, according to the report.
The network also documented that the Houthis bombed 16 houses, burned down five houses in the Al-Masoud area of the Al-Qurayshiyah by using drones on January 9, 2025. 2,780 people were arrested and kidnapped and 366 people were forcibly disappeared by the Houthis. The report also mentioned the siege imposed on the village of Hanaka al-Masoud, located in Al-Bayda's al-Qurayshiya district, which lasted for more than a week. The Houthis attacked and looted the village of Hanaka al-Masoud, killing seven people, including women and children, and injuring 18 others. At least 400 people were kidnapped by the Houthis and 360 of them were transferred to the prison in the city of Rada'a. In the report, The Yemeni Network for Rights and Freedoms called on the international community and the United Nations to take urgent action to stop the human rights violations committed by the Houthis and to put pressure on the Houthis to lift the siege immediately and provide safe corridors for the delivery of humanitarian aid to the region.>>
Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/houthis-commit-more-than-8-000-rights-violations-in-al-bayda-36374


Baloch activists
Medyanews - January 20, 2025
<<Violent arrest of Baloch activists in Karachi
Several Baloch activists were arrested by Pakistani police ahead of a peaceful demonstration by Baloch people and sympathisers in Karachi, the capital of Sindh province, which borders Balochistan. Detained in isolation, women were held in prisons without female wardens. Following public outcry, the activists were eventually released due to mounting pressure on the authorities. The Karachi police initiated an aggressive crackdown in anticipation of a peaceful demonstration of Baloch people and sympathisers in the city, the capital of Pakistan’s Sindh province, on 18 January. The protest was intended to take place at 2pm, but was violently obstructed by police. Prominent members of the human rights group the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) were among those arrested. The arrests come in the wake of a mobilisation campaign by the BYC to stage protests in multiple cities leading up to a major protest in Dalbandin, Balochistan province, on 25 January, Baloch Genocide Remembrance Day. The protests so far have been met with force, baton charges and arrests in Sindh province, which sits on the eastern border of Balochistan province.
Several BYC members and feminists were unlawfully arrested, including Lala Wahab Baloch, Sammi Deen Baloch, Fouzia Baloch and Amna Baloch. Graphic videos show the women having their hair pulled by the Karachi Police, and others among the crowd being generally manhandled. BYC Deputy Organiser and Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) General Secretary Sammi Deen Baloch was held at Karadar Police Station, while Lala Wahab Baloch was held at Chakiwara Police Station. The BYC called on the Baloch and other communities to mobilise at police stations where Baloch activists and Baloch community members were being held to demand justice and the release of their comrades. Only the day before, Sammi Deen had survived an assassination attempt which the BYC claims was the responsibility of the Sindh police. The activists were held in isolation, in prisons with no female wardens, eventually being released due the public pressure created by the BYC’s call to mobilise at the police stations.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/violent-arrest-of-baloch-activists-in-karachi/

Women's Liberation Front 2019/cryfreedom.net 2025