Contact: imralipost@freeocalan.org
Contents
Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2
Kurds launch sit-in in front of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg…………………………………………..2 German government ignores the situation of prisoners on Imrali………………………………………………4 Social Workers Union calls for the release of Abdullah Öcalan………………………………………………….5
Prisons in Turkey……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7
New repression against ill political prisoner Civan Boltan………………………………………………………..7 Journalist Ataman tortured in prison: I can’t breathe!………………………………………………………………8 Seriously ill political prisoner dies in jail………………………………………………………………………………..9 Political prisoners in Bolu F Type Closed jail subjected to torture…………………………………………….10 Court releases teacher Sibel Balaç on her 298th day of hunger strike………………………………………..11 Selahattin Demirtaş sentenced to two and a half years in prison again………………………………………11 Two prisoners in Van High Security Prison deported to other jails after being tortured……………….12 Kurdish politician Leyla Güven sentenced to more than eleven years in prison…………………………..13 Death toll rises to eight after fire in Iran’s Evin Prison…………………………………………………………….14
Military aggression and occupation……………………………………………………………………………………. 15
Iraq’s Coordination Framework demands an explanation after Hakan Fidan’s visit……………………..15 Migrants Committee releases 3-year balance sheet of crimes committed in Girê Spî and Serêkaniyê17 Wave of Turkish attacks targets Ain Issa, Girê Spi, Shehba and Til Temir…………………………………..18 Turkey sends mercenaries to fight in Medya Defense Zones……………………………………………………19 IPPNW calls for an international investigation on Turkish use of chemical weapons in northern Iraq …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….20 Military and civil defence preparations continue in Til Temir………………………………………………….21 Member of the Syriac security forces Sotoro killed in Turkish drone attack in Dêrik…………………..22 Armored police vehicle runs over a minor in Hakkari…………………………………………………………….23 10-day balance sheet of Turkish attacks on Gire Spi and Ain Issa……………………………………………..23 Turkish bombing heavily injures a civilian in Bradost…………………………………………………………….24 Turkey attacks Syrian regime troops……………………………………………………………………………………24 HPG releases six-month balance sheet: 2346 soldiers killed, ten helicopters shot down……………….25
Feminicide…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 28
Turkey admits it murdered academic and journalist Nagihan Akarsel……………………………………….28
In memory of Havrin Khalaf……………………………………………………………………………………………..29
Ecocide…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 30
Turkey accelerates ecocide in the Kurdish region…………………………………………………………………..30 1200 families left their homes due to drought in southern Iraq……………………………………………….30 Yet another dam to be built in Zap Valley……………………………………………………………………………31 Surp Sarkis Armenian Church defies destruction…………………………………………………………………..32
Human Rights Violations…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 33
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Police searched for Öcalan’s pictures in kebab shop in Poland………………………………………………….33 Turkey seeks to further restrict LGBTQ rights………………………………………………………………………33 HDP MP violently assaulted during protest against 9 October conspiracy………………………………..34 At least 40 detained in police attack on demo against October 9 conspiracy in Van…………………….35 Victims of Ankara massacre commemorated…………………………………………………………………………36 HDP MP Habip Eksik: They kicked my broken leg with boots……………………………………………….38 At least 157 workers killed on the job in September, says ISIG………………………………………………..39 Conscientious objectors face repression and imprisonment in Turkey……………………………………….40 PYD: Turkey is engaged in human trafficking……………………………………………………………………….41 Number of detentions in Amed rises…………………………………………………………………………………..43 Turkish mine explosion kills at least 28, dozens still trapped……………………………………………………43 UN urges Turkey to ensure full respect for freedom of expression guaranteed under international law44 YPG/YPJ flags not forbidden in Germany, says lawyer…………………………………………………………..45 UN calls for investigation on refugees found naked on Turkey-Greece border……………………………46 Number of people killed in Iran rises to 215………………………………………………………………………..47
Interview………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 48
Cemil Bayık to conspiracy forces: Give up this policy…………………………………………………………….48
Aldar Xelîl: Turkey fabricates justifications for occupation………………………………………………………60
Opinion………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 63
Mouini: People should struggle together……………………………………………………………………………..63
KODAR co-chair Gulan Fehim: People in Rojhilat and Iran are demanding freedom…………………65
Who Are We?…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 67 —★—
Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan
Kurds launch sit-in in front of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg
ANF | Geneva | 10 October 2022
9 October marks the anniversary of the forced departure of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan in 1998 and thus the beginning of the international conspiracy that led to the PKK leader’s abduction to Turkey on 15 February 1999. Since then, Öcalan has been held as a political hostage on the prison island of Imrali, most of the time under conditions of total isolation. Kurds and their friends are going into action all around the world to demand the lifting of Abdullah Öcalan’s incommunicado detention and the resumption of peace negotiations and conditions for the Kurdish leader in which he can live and work freely in order to con- tribute to the solution of the Kurdish question.
3 The İmralı Post #23
Gathering in Strasbourg following the call of the KCDK-E (Kurdish Democratic Societies Congress in Eu- rope), Kurds and their friends have launched a four-day sit-in action in front of the Council of Europe on Monday to denounce the international conspiracy and to demand freedom for Öcalan.
Representatives of several institutions and organizations, as well as politicians and artists attended the ac- tion, which was taken by over a 100-person group coming from Switzerland on its first day.
The action will be led by a group for four days and each group will submit a dossier to the Council of Eu – rope to detail the goal and demands of the action; an end to the isolation of Öcalan, freedom and “right to hope” for Abdullah Öcalan, an end to the increasing atrocities in prisons and repression against the HDP, and the release of sick prisoners behind bars in Turkey.
A delegation involving former deputies of the HDP, including Ertuğrul Kürkçü, Faysal Sarıyıldız, Dilek Öcalan and Nursel Aydoğan, will attend a meeting at the Council of Europe.
The group coming from Switzerland launched the action with a statement.
Göksungur: We will remain on the streets
Speaking here, KCDK-E co-chair Fatoş Göksungur said, “We are here today for yet another protest action outside the CoE and the CPT. What Leader Öcalan has been subject to for the past 24 years is aggravated even more every day. The international conspiracy has been turned into international isolation. As long as this isolation is continued, there will be no democracy in Turkey and the Middle East. The isolation is meant to be continued because democracy is not wanted. Access to our leader is restricted on various grounds such as disciplinary punishment and coaster malfunction. The CPT and the CoE become part- ners in this isolation by remaining silent on it. Why is the international law not applied to Öcalan? This is a conspiracy which we will be denouncing here for four days in protest at the silence of the CoE members and the CPT. We will remain on the streets until Leader Öcalan is freed.”
Sadak: Resistance is the only way out
Politician Selim Sadak stated that the Turkish state sought to destroy the Kurds and blamed Europe for be – ing a part of this genocidal campaign. “Resistance is the only way out,” he underlined.
Irmak: No bullet can stop the struggle
Politician Selma Irmak said, “The Turkish state continues its attacks against the Kurds. The Kurdish women’s movement is fighting with the paradigm presented by Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan. No bullet fired at Kurdish women can stop the struggle.
4 The İmralı Post #23 Kürkcü: We will never give up the struggle
Ertuğrul Kürkçü said, HDP is the peoples’ hope for co-existence. We will never give up the struggle. The Council of Europe does not raise a voice against Turkey on the grounds of refugees. Europe did the same during the Hitler reign, but they were the first to be crushed by the boots of fascism.”
—★—
German government ignores the situation of prisoners on
Imrali
ANF | Berlin | 11 October 2022
Since March 2021, there has been no sign of life from the prison island of Imrali, where Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan and three other fellow prisoners are completely isolated. Kurds and solidarity activists around the world are protesting for Öcalan’s freedom and the lifting of isolation. Total solitary confine- ment violates the ban on torture. Such a violation should lead to consequences at the level of the Council of Europe, the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) and on the part of the European states. But hardly anything happens. Again and again, members of the Bundestag, German Parliament, also ask about the government’s position on the situation on Imrali. MP Gökay Akbulut (DIE LINKE) asked the German government about its knowledge of Öcalan’s isolation and to what extent the German government would support a visit by the CPT to Imrali.
Federal Government: No engagement with the CPT
The answer states: “The Federal Government has no knowledge of its own regarding the state of health of the imprisoned PKK founder Abdullah Öcalan. Furthermore, the Federal Government is of the opinion that the independent European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment must decide which detention cases it takes as a reason for a detention visit.”
Akbulut: “The government prioritises interests over international human rights”
Akbulut said, “The Foreign Office is shirking an answer. With the change of government in Germany, es- pecially from a Green Foreign Minister, many opposition activists in Turkey expected more support. Un- fortunately, this expectation has so far remained unfulfilled. I have the impression that geopolitical inter- ests take precedence over international human rights for the German government. In 2019, the then SPD- led Foreign Office gave a far more nuanced answer to a similar question. It also communicated its concern about human rights for detainees in Turkey.”
5 The İmralı Post #23 Answer falls short of Merkel government
The answer of the Federal Government goes far behind the answer of the Federal Government to a similar question of the MP Michel Brandt (DIE LINKE) and speaks for a massive approach of the Federal Gov – ernment towards the AKP/MHP regime. As recently as 2019, the German government replied with regard to a CPT report: “The Turkish government is called upon to allow visits by relatives and legal counsel and to reduce restrictions on prisoners’ contact with each other. The Federal Government welcomes these de- mands.” This clearly shows that the current federal government is even more interested in appeasement to – wards Turkish fascism against the background of the Ukraine war.
“The current government ignores the conditions on Imrali”
Akbulut announced that she would take further action herself: “Of course, I am not satisfied with the an- swer now. I will write to the German representative at the CPT, Dr Gunda Wössner. The isolation of Öcalan and his fellow prisoners imprisoned on Imrali is unacceptable. In its last report, the CPT called on the Turkish government to allow visits by relatives and legal counsel. They also called for restrictions on prisoners’ contact with each other to be removed. These demands were welcomed by the previous federal government, while the current federal government ignores the condition of the detainees on Imrali.”
CPT visits have so far remained inconsequential
In fact, the CPT also inspected Imrali during an ad hoc visit in September. However, it has not yet taken a position on the situation there. The CPT’s report is not expected to be completed for at least six months. The report will then only be published with Turkey’s consent. The advocacy team of the prisoners on Im- rali recalls the CPT’s approach during its last visit, saying, “The CPT did not publish the report on its last visit in May 2019 until 15 months later. It stated that serious steps should be taken, in particular with re- gards to liaison with the outside world. However, following the CPT’s visit, the isolation policy towards our clients on Imrali Island continued and the isolation was further exacerbated, although an improve- ment should have been made in line with the recommendations made in the visit reports.”
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Social Workers Union calls for the release of Abdullah Öcalan
ANF | London | 12 October 2022
The Social Workers Union (SWU), recently passed the following motion at their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 23 September, and have affiliated to the Freedom for Ocalan campaign group.
“Motion 4:
Proposer – Dave Callow (SWU Executive)
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Additional recording from the Freedom for Öcalan Campaign Group
The time has come for freedom for Öcalan – Clare Baker – YouTube
This AGM calls for the release of Abdullah Öcalan – the Kurdish Mandela – and encourages SWU to work with the Freedom for Öcalan campaign and apply political pressure on this government to demand:
Abdullah Öcalan be released so he can play his role in the peace process
The Turkish state to obey its own and international laws
A peaceful and democratic resolution to be sought between Turkey and its Kurdish citizens
The reconvening of peace talks between the Turkish government and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) Who is Abdullah Öcalan?
As the imprisoned leader of the Kurdish freedom movement, Abdullah Öcalan is a powerful symbol of the Kurdish people’s desire for peace. Öcalan was kidnapped and handed over to the intelligence service al- most twenty years ago, in 1999. Initially sentenced to death, Öcalan has been held in prison in İmralı is- land in the Sea of Marmara – the Turkish ‘Robben Island’.
The Turkish government claim that no domestic or international law applies to the prison island, using it like their own Guantanamo Bay. In 2002 Öcalan’s initial death sentence was commuted to life imprison- ment. Held in solitary confinement, Öcalan used his legal defence to advocate for a peace process and de- velop the ideas which would be used as a blueprint for the Kurdish-led democratic society in Rojava.
Since his abduction in 1999, Abdullah Öcalan has been continuously denied his human rights under Turkish and international law and we draw particular attention to the UNmandated “Mandela Rules” (58 to 63) (1) for the ethical treatment of prisoners as well as the European Convention of Human Rights which Turkey signed in 1986.
The Turkish state is currently abusing anti-terror legislation to persecute and criminalize its political oppo – nents. A large number of Kurdish political prisoners are currently being held in Turkish prisons the major- ity under charges of terrorism, including the former co-chair of the HDP party.
Öcalan has called repeatedly for a democratic resolution within Turkey to secure a peaceful and lasting so- lution.
The illegal invasion of Afrin by the Turkish regime has displaced 150,000 civilians and is a destabilising in- fluence on the region. Turkey has stated that Kurds east of the Euphrates “will be buried in their ditches when the time comes”. This along with calls for a second Cyprus are tantamount to signaling the intent to commit war crimes.
In 2017 the UK Trades Union Congress unanimously passed a motion giving the support of the UK’s 6 million trade unionists to the demands for Öcalan’s release.
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This AGM believes:
-The Turkish President Erdogan and the ruling AKPs (Justice and Development party) increasing authori- tarianism and the direct threat of war crimes in Northern Syria must be challenged by the international community.
-Öcalan is key to a peaceful solution in Turkey. He has the support of the Kurdish people as is clearly demonstrated by the fact that over 10 million people signed a petition calling for his release.
-The values of Abdullah Öcalan; peace, democracy, equality – are the values of the international Labour movement and it’s our responsibility to show solidarity with Öcalan and the Kurdish people.”
—★—
Prisons in Turkey
New repression against ill political prisoner Civan Boltan
ANF | Amed | 9 October 2022
The seriously ill political prisoner Civan Boltan is subjected to one harassment after another. Despite the fact that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) judged his continued detention to be a “violation of rights” and that there is a medical certificate of incapacity, he remains in prison. This has resulted in an endless chain of further serious rights violations that cannot be justified. Most recently, the Kurd has had his clothes and blankets confiscated, the reasons for which are completely unknown.
“The treatment of my son is undoubtedly purposefully inhumane and thus equivalent to torture,” is how mother Nazime Boltan describes the treatment of Civan Boltan. The 31-year-old has been in detention since 2012. That year, he was sentenced to an aggravated life sentence plus an additional 95 years and four months in prison on the basis of anti-terror legislation and “acting in a manner hostile to the state” in con – nection with his membership of the Kurdish guerrillas. Before Boltan was imprisoned as a guerrilla, he tried to blow himself up with a hand grenade. In the process, his right arm was shredded, and he also lost the sight in his left eye.
Around seventy shrapnel pierced Boltan’s body, the largest still lodged in his skull today. When soldiers discovered him, he was presumed dead. After it was determined in a hospital that he was still alive, massive blows from military personnel resulted in severe injuries to his remaining eye, of which only 30 per cent is intact today. His healthy arm was broken in several places. Probably because of this, he suffers from sec- ondary Raynaud’s syndrome today.
Raynaud’s syndrome, also known as “corpse finger” or “white finger disease”, is caused by an overreaction of the nerves to cold. Usually, there is a serious underlying disease, such as inflammatory rheumatism or
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connective tissue diseases, neurological diseases, nerve inflammation or damage can be behind it. In these cases, the recurring circulatory disorders can lead to irreparable vascular diseases and cells can die. People with the disease suffer from insensitivity, numbness, discolouration of the affected areas and pain as soon as they come into contact with the cold – for example, when they come into contact with cold air or water. The attacks usually last no longer than half an hour, but the more frequently the body is exposed to the cold, the stronger the overreaction.
Notorious F-type prison Bolu
“Kurdish society and especially that part whose relatives are in prison know what it means for political prisoners to be imprisoned in Bolu,” stresses Nazime Boltan. The maximum-security type F prison in the north-western province of Bolu is notorious for torture and inhumane prison conditions, especially in the case of “PKK prisoners”. In summer the heating is turned up, in winter the cooling system runs. The fact that now, when it is getting colder, Civan Boltan’s sleeping blankets are confiscated in addition to his clothes on the orders of the prison administration is nothing other than deliberate bodily harm, says mother Nazime Boltan. The Kurdish woman regularly takes part in the “Vigil for Justice” in Amed (tr. Di- yarbakir), an initiative launched in November 2021 by relatives of political prisoners who want to make the extreme repression and constant human rights violations in the prisons visible and fight for compli- ance with legal standards.
“Our children are oppressed”
“They torture the prisoners wherever they can,” says Nazime Boltan, referring to the situation behind Turkish prison walls. “Our children are oppressed. There is no justice for them. Civan is sick and unable to care for himself without the support of his fellow prisoners. Even when it rains, he gets attacks, his fingers turn white. If he is now left without clothes and blankets, his already serious health situation will worsen,” Boltan fears and complains that letters from her son are also confiscated by the prison administration. “It is not only my son who is a victim of this hostile treatment. There are countless sick political prisoners who are affected. Therefore, we call on all their relatives to join our action. Our demand is the release of the sick prisoners and their treatment in freedom. The families of the sick prisoners must support them. As long as we are alive, we will champion the cause of our children.”
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Journalist Ataman tortured in prison: I can’t breathe!
ANF | 12 October 2022
Ziya Ataman, a reporter for the Dicle News Agency (DİHA) which was closed by a government decree, was transferred on August 7 from Van High Security Prison to Erzurum Dumlu High Security Prison No. 2.
Ataman has been kept in a solitary confinement cell since his transfer. Explaining the problems he experi- enced in prison in a letter, Ataman stated that he was kept in isolation.
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“We have been victimized even further in prison. Transferring someone residing in Hakkari to a prison in Edirne is another way of being isolated. We have encountered dozens of similar cases. There is an arbitrary rule in the prison. The High Security Prison I stayed in before had three-person rooms and inhumane soli – tary rooms for detainees and prisoners. But when we came here, they placed us all in solitary cells. I’ve been in a cell since the day I arrived, and I think it will continue that way.
The cell is very small, and I can barely breathe. It is not possible for us to see the sun, there is no opportu – nity to pace in the prison yard. I spend 22.5 hours a day in this cell. I have the right to take fresh air for only 1.5 hours a day. I hardly see the sun. In the meantime, the prices in the canteen keep increasing every day. We want our situation in prison to be known to the public.”
—★— Seriously ill political prisoner dies in jail
ANF | 12 October 2022
Another seriously ill prisoner has died in Turkey. Süphan Çabuk had been imprisoned since 2016 and, due to a deterioration in his health, was transferred from the Rize Kalkandere correctional facility to a hospital, where he died today. The 34-year-old prisoner was accused of separatist activities and, according to his lawyer, he suffered from a heart condition and was tortured.
Serhat Eren, who legally represented Süphan Çabuk in his trial for “destruction and totality of the state”, is also the deputy co-chair of the HDP Law and Human Rights Commission. As Eren told the Mezopotamya Agency (MA), a court hearing should have taken place today. According to law enforce- ment officials, Çabuk suffered a fainting spell while preparing the video broadcast in prison. Lawyer Eren says that his client would not have had to die if he had received medical treatment: “The prison killed him, the Ministry of Justice is responsible.”
Information about the cause of Çubuk’s death is not available, and his body is to be autopsied. The Liber- tarian Lawyers’ Association (ÖHD) visited Çabuk in Rize after his transfer from Amed and subsequently reported on his heart complaints and his demand for proper medical treatment. The report also stated that Çabuk refused to wear handcuffs during medical examinations. For this reason, he was not taken to hospi- tal. In addition, he was mistreated during his transfer to Kalkandere prison. Criminal charges against those responsible were dropped, and all legal initiatives came to nothing.
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10 The İmralı Post #23 Political prisoners in Bolu F Type Closed jail subjected to
torture
ANF | 13 October 2022
Raziye Eksik, who went to visit her son Bayram, talked about the inhuman practices that her son was sub- jected to.
Bayram Eksik was arrested in Mersin in 2012 on charges of being “member of a terrorist organization” and was sentenced to 36 years (aggravated life imprisonment).
Eksik has been subjected to systematic pressure in Bolu F Type High Security Prison for 9 years. Raziye Eksik had a visit with her 32-year-old son on 4 October.
She said that before being transferred to Bolu, her son had stayed in Adana Kürkçüler Prison and Kırıkkale F Type Prison.
Eksih said that her son had appendicitis surgery as a result of being subjected to severe torture during his stay in Kırıkkale Prison, and that he was hospitalized for a month in Ankara.
She said: “During the visit, most of the detainees were sluggish, their hands were shaking and they were very pale. When I asked my son, he said that they did not give the meals that should be given. They only gave 2 meals and leftovers from breakfast for dinner.”
Explaining that they are not allowed to go out for sports, Eksik said: “My son said that there was a lot of pressure on them and that they raided the wards at night and took their books, notebooks and all their clothes. They just left then with the clothes they were wearing.”
Raziye Eksik said that if the intense pressure continues, her son and her ward friends will start a hunger strike and added: “They went on hunger strike before to have their demands met, there is a lot of pressure on them. My son has spent his life in prison. Let’s put an end to this pressure on our children. I also have a hard time getting to the visit, the prison is too far, I have diabetes and high blood pressure. I was sick for a week after the visit.”
Eksik said that her son and his ward friends also shaved their heads for Jina Mahsa Amini, who was mur- dered by the “morality police” in Iran, and saluted the resistance of the Iranian people.
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11 The İmralı Post #23 Court releases teacher Sibel Balaç on her 298th day of hunger
strike
ANF | Istanbul | 14 October 2022
The People’s Law Bureau confirmed that teacher Sibel Balaç was released from the prisoner’s ward of the Etlik City Hospital in the capital of Ankara.
A court has postponed the enforcement of teacher Sibel Balaç’s prison sentence after 298 days of death fast demanding a fair trial.
Balaç was taken for treatment in another ward of the hospital.
Balaç, 33, from Tekirdağ, is a teacher for children with serious disabilities. While working in the southern city of Antalya, she began to attend the “I Want My Job Back” protest in Ankara’s Yüksel Street. The protests were held by civil servants dismissed during the state of emergency period following the 2016 coup attempt protests.
Following the arrest of the protesters, she resigned from her school and began to attend the protests full- time.
She was arrested in December 2018 and was sentenced to 8.5 years in prison.
—★—
Selahattin Demirtaş sentenced to two and a half years in prison
again
ANF | Ankara | 14 October 2022
In the reopened trial for “revealing the identity of persons involved in counter-terrorism”, Kurdish politi- cian Selahattin Demirtaş was again sentenced to two and a half years in prison on Friday. In the first trial in May 2021, the court in Ankara sentenced him to two years and six months imprisonment. However, a regional appeals court overturned the sentence last April at the request of the prosecution and ordered that the case be retried due to insufficient sentencing.
The subject of the proceedings is an alleged threat against Yüksel Kocaman, former chief prosecutor in the Turkish capital and now a prosecutor at the Court of Cassation. He is considered a loyal follower of Presi- dent Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, whom he met in prison in 1999. Kocaman was the prosecutor in charge of the penitentiary, while Erdoğan was in pre-trial detention because of a poem inciting the people. Kocaman is also considered the prosecutor who prevented Demirtaş’s release despite the ECtHR ruling.
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Demirtaş was essentially accused of making a statement about Kocaman’s wedding. “There was a time when prosecutors were even given armoured vehicles. Yet they did not manage to evade justice. The gift bags someone puts in your hands will also not save you from prosecution,” Demirtaş said on the celebra- tion, among other things in another pending case against him. The 2020 wedding at the Sheraton Hotel in Ankara was attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the chairman of the Court of Cassation, the ministers of the interior and justice, the chief of general staff and the chairman of the election commis- sion.
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office had demanded a prison sentence of up to eight years for Demirtaş on the grounds that, Demirtaş, with his statement “did not only denounce Kocaman as a “per- son in a counter-terrorism office” but had also made him a target among “supporters of terrorist organiza- tions”, thus violating the Counter-Terrorism Law No. 3713 Art. 6/1.” The article regulates the “prohibi- tion of revealing the identity of persons engaged in counter-terrorism or other persons who might thus be- come targets of violent acts, as well as announcing that violent acts might be committed against certain identifiable persons by terrorists.” It is not necessary that an attack actually occurs against the persons mentioned.
Demirtaş, who is imprisoned in the F-type prison of Edirne in western Turkey and attended the trial via the SEGBIS video conferencing system, denied the accusations against him. He stressed that the “crimi- nalised statement” was a passage from his defence speech in another trial. One of the judges agreed with this and spoke in favour of an acquittal due to the absence of a criminal offense. Demirtaş’s defense has announced legal remedies.
Selahattin Demirtaş has been in prison for almost six years. The then HDP leader was arrested in Novem – ber 2016 along with nine other HDP MPs, including former co-chair Figen Yüksekdağ. Despite a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), he is not being released. In the main trial, the prose- cution accuses him, among other things, of founding and leading a terrorist organisation, terrorist propa- ganda and incitement of the people. The indictment builds on 31 investigation reports submitted to the Turkish parliament during his time as an MP for the lifting of immunity. If convicted, Demirtaş faces up to 142 years in prison. In the trial concerning the October 2014 protests against Turkish support for the jihadist militia “Islamic State” (ISIS) in the attack on the town of Kobanê in Rojava, Demirtaş is even fac – ing up to 15,000 years in prison. Demirtaş has already been sentenced to various prison terms in several trials, including for insulting the president.
—★—
Two prisoners in Van High Security Prison deported to other
jails after being tortured
ANF | Van | 15 October 2022
Feyyaz Başak and another prisoner named Akif and whose surname could not be learned, were tortured and deported to another jail. The two who were in Van High Security Prison and, according to the infor-
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mation received, they were tortured together with other prisoners in wards raided on Friday morning. The prisoners, whose belongings were gathered together, were put into the ring vehicle. It was recorded that Başak was deported to Elazig No. 2 Prison, and the prisoner named Akif to Elazig No. 1 Prison.
One of the prisoners, Başak, had been tortured by the guards and put in a solitary cell a short time ago be – cause she was also against the ward change.
—★—
Kurdish politician Leyla Güven sentenced to more than eleven
years in prison
ANF | Amed | 17 October 202
Leyla Güven, a former MP of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) and co-chair of the Democratic Soci- ety Congress (DTK), was again sentenced to many years in prison on Monday. The 9th Diyarbakır Heavy Penal Court sentenced the 58-year-old politician to eleven years and seven months in prison on charges of “propaganda for a terrorist organization” – meaning the PKK. She is charged with making statements in three speeches. Güven did not attend the trial in person, but through the video conferencing system SEG – BIS from the Elazıp Prison where she is held.
In the previous trial held on 7 September, the prosecution had demanded 43 years, 1 month and 15 days for Güven.
Background
In December 2020, Leyla Güven was sentenced to more than 22 years in prison for alleged PKK member- ship. The reasons given for the long prison sentence included “matriarchal ideas”. A few months earlier, she had been deprived of her parliamentary mandate. The first time the mother of two children spent a long time in prison was in 2009, when she was arrested as part of the internationally criticised “KCK op- erations” and was only released after five years. At the time of her arrest, Güven was mayor of the Viranşe – hir district of Urfa.
In March 2017, she was sentenced to over six years in prison as part of the KCK trial. The sentence was only confirmed in September 2019. Seven months after her election to parliament, she was released from prison in 2019. In June 2020, she was arrested again, only a few hours after the parliament in Ankara had revoked her mandate and thus also her immunity. The reason given was the now legally binding verdict in the KCK trial.
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Leyla Güven also attracted international attention in 2018 when she went on hunger strike to demand the release of imprisoned PKK founder Abdullah Öcalan. His isolation was briefly broken in 2019 by the 200-day mass hunger strike initiated by Leyla Güven, which was then joined by thousands of prisoners in Turkey as well as numerous activists all around the world.
—★—
Death toll rises to eight after fire in Iran’s Evin Prison
ANF | Tehran | 17 October 2022
The death toll in the major fire at the notorious Evin prison in the Iranian capital Tehran has risen to eight, according to regime authorities. Four more prisoners were killed, the judiciary announced on Mon- day. While all victims are said to be from the wing of the prison where inmates serve time for robbery of- fences, the information cannot be verified.
There are contradictory statements about who set the fire. The regime declared the prisoners to be the cul – prits early on. According to the judiciary, a fire was set in a workshop of the prison “after an argument be- tween prisoners”. The prison administration spoke of a short-term mutiny, stating the situation was quickly brought under control. “Hooligans and rioters” also started an altercation with the prison guards and then started a fire in the textile store, according to the officials.
Flying objects hit prison
But videos posted on social media show not only the fire and traffic jams on the streets, which were cor- doned off by police and hooded special forces to keep out prisoners’ supporters, but also flying objects hit – ting the prison, after which explosions can be seen. The opposition and protest movement are convinced that Evin was deliberately set on fire. Past experience has shown that representations by the regime have al- ways proved to be untrue, especially in times of crisis and uprising, they say.
Disappeared prisoners?
According to eyewitnesses, in addition to several explosions, gunshots were heard coming from the deten- tion centre on Saturday evening. In the morning hours of Sunday, several ambulances and two prison buses also left the Evin campus. The buses were escorted by a convoy of security force vehicles. Whether the bus occupants were the injured prisoners and where they were taken to remains completely unclear. There are fears that they may be “disappeared political prisoners”.
“The detainees, including countless political prisoners, are completely defenseless in this prison,” Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of the New York-based human rights organization Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI), said after the fire in Evin. “The Iranian authorities have repeatedly shown total disregard for human life, and we are extremely concerned that prisoners are being killed as we speak.”
15 The İmralı Post #23 KODAR calls for protests
The Democratic and Free Society of East Kurdistan (KODAR), in view of the official account of the fire in Evin prison, spoke of a “scenario to suppress the popular uprising” and called for intensified street protests.
Prisons have become centres of resistance against the regime’s oppression over the past 43 years. They are places where freedom is demanded. What happened last night is a continuation of the massacre of political prisoners in 1998. Iran’s rebellious population is aware that such terrorist actions are meant to spread fear and put down the uprising,” said the KODAR statement on Sunday.
KODAR also referred to similar attacks on 1 October in Sine (Sanandaj) Central Prison and said that the measures were directed against political activists and all women and men in the country’s prisons.
Notorious prison
Evin prison in the north of Tehran is considered one of the worst prisons in Iran. Human rights organisa- tions have been denouncing the conditions there as cruel and inhumane for years. Thousands of political prisoners are held in the torture centre, some of whom have been detained for years. However, numerous demonstrators who were arrested in recent weeks because of their participation in the protests against the Iranian regime after the death of Jina Mahsa Amini are also being held hostage there.
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Military aggression and occupation
Iraq’s Coordination Framework demands an explanation after Hakan Fidan’s visit
ANF | 8 October 2022
Hakan Fidan, head of the National Intelligence Agency (MİT), visited the Turkmen leaders in Iraq’s Kur- distan Region on Monday (October 4) in what was his second visit to the country in less than a month.
Fidan had a meeting with Hasan Turan, head of the Iraqi Turkmen Front, and members of the group’s Po – litical Bureau in Hewler (Erbil).
There has not been any statement made about the subject of the meeting but in connection to the meet- ings held in Bagdad, there are ongoing speculations in Iraq that a Turkmen MP from Kirkuk could be given an influential ministry in the government.
16 The İmralı Post #23 The Coordination Framework, an alliance of various Shiite political groups, requests that the reason for
the visit should be explained.
The Mezopotamya Agency (MA) reported that Turki Cedan of the Coordination Framework told the Iraqi media that “we are following the visit of the head of the Turkish Intelligence a few days ago in Erbil.”
“It is a concern that [Fidan] has made his visit without informing the Iraqi Government,” he said.
The MP argued that “such meetings cannot be held with superior security officials of Turkey without the consent of the central Iraqi government.” He said the reason for the visit should be “clarified.”
He asked, “With what purpose is Hakan Fidan making this visit in a period when Iraq is in a political cri – sis?”
Cedan said that the Security and Defense institutions of the Iraqi National Council should approach such security meetings sensitively.
“One-sided policy against Kurdistan”
Lahur Talabany, co-leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), also criticized the meeting in a statement on Twitter.
He said Turkey and Iran were pursuing one-sided policies against Kurdistan and accused them of causing casualties among civilians, including women and children, in their military operations targeting armed Kurdish groups.
“I invite the central government and international institutions to take a stand against these serious attacks by the neighboring countries on Iraqi Kurdistan and on the regions where civilian citizens live,” he said.
Visits in September
Fidan had visited Baghdad on September 11 and met political and security officials of Iraq and the Kurdis- tan Region. Fidan had also met Hamis Hancer, leader of the Sunni Sovereignty Alliance in Iraq’s parlia- ment. According to the reports in the media, Fidan then called for ‘unity’ with the Sunni leaders.
Fidan’s visit took place in a period when efforts have gathered momentum in order to find a solution to the crisis related to not being able to form a government which has been continuing for almost a year.
Fidan met Iraq’s President Barham Salih, Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, Chief of the Parliament Mohamed Halbousi and representatives of political parties and then met the Kurdistan Regional Govern- ment authorities.
17 The İmralı Post #23
The media reported that Fidan had communicated to officials in Iraq that Turkey “reassured that the terri- torial integrity and sovereignty of Iraq will be protected,” but would continue with military activities tar- geting the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party).
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Migrants Committee releases 3-year balance sheet of crimes
committed in Girê Spî and Serêkaniyê
ANF | Heseke | 9 October 2022
In a press conference statement with the slogan “Safe return is our legitimate right”, the Northern and Eastern Syria Serêkaniyê Migrants Committee and the Association for Solidarity with Victims (Tazour) announced the three-year balance sheet of the Turkish occupation of Girê Spî and Serêkaniyê.
The Migrants Committee Press Officer Ciwan Iso read the statement at Washukani Camp.
Killings, abduction, torture
The statement said: “Since the two regions were occupied by Turkey and its mercenaries in October 2019, 511 people have been arrested, including 68 women and 42 children. 185 people have been kidnapped. 325 people have been tortured. At least 5 people have been killed under torture. 48 were only 13 years of age. 92 detainees, including those sentenced to life imprisonment, were transferred to Turkey. 56 people, including 11 women, were killed. 11 people were executed.
Occupation, exploitation, plunder
The statement said that more than 85 percent of Serêkaniyê residents could not return to their homes, and added that “2,500 migrant families were resettled in place of the original residents. 55 Iraqi ISIS families were resettled in the confiscated houses in Serêkaniyê. After the occupation, more than 5,500 houses and more than 1,200 shops were confiscated in the two occupied regions. 55 villages were evacuated from their original inhabitants. They confiscated more than one million acres (100 thousand hectares) of land.
145 civilians lost their lives
The statement continued: “There is no security in the region, at least 72 explosions occurred, 145 civilians, including women and children, lost their lives. More than 300 people were injured. In addition, groups belonging to the so-called Syrian National Army provoked clashes 46 times. As a result, at least 3 citizens lost their lives and more than 25 were injured.”
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18 The İmralı Post #23 Wave of Turkish attacks targets Ain Issa, Girê Spi, Shehba and
Til Temir
ANF | 10 October 2022
The invading Turkish state shelled dozens of locations in Ain Issa, Girê Spî, Shehba and Til Temir. A mosque was destroyed in Ain Issa, and villages were heavily damaged.
Ain Issa
On Sunday, October 9, afternoon, the Turkish state began bombing the villages in the west of Ain Issa and Girê Spî.
Missiles, mortar rockets and tanks were used in the attacks. A mosque in the Fatsa village was partially de – stroyed in the attacks which directly targeted civilian settlements.
In the last 24 hours, the villages of Cedîda, Mişêrfê, Seramid, Fatsa, Hiwêca, Um Beramîl, Xazilî, Zenûbiya and Xirbet Beqer, and the vicinity of the Kobanê cement company have been targeted by the in- vaders. At least 25 villages have been bombed.
Manbij
The Manbij Military Council reported that the villages of Bozkîc and Ewn Dadat in the north of Manbij were targeted by at least 19 artillery attacks on Sunday, simultaneously with the attacks on Ain Issa.
Al-Bab
The village of Kawkili, west of al-Bab, was also bombed by howitzers.
Til Temir
On Monday morning, the Turkish forces bombed the villages of Dirdara in the north of Til Temir and the village of Um El Kêf in the west of the district with heavy weapons.
Zirgan
The villages of Bobî, Esediye and Dada Ebdal in Zirgan were also targeted by the Turkish attacks.
Shehba
The villages of Zîwan and Til Enab in the Shehba Canton were bombed by Turkish forces at around 13:00 local time today.
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19 The İmralı Post #23 Turkey sends mercenaries to fight in Medya Defense Zones
ANF | Hakkari | 11 October 2022
The Turkish invasion of the Medya Defense Zones is in a deadlock. Despite the support of the southern Kurdish KDP, the Turkish army had, according to guerrillas, recorded well over 2,000 casualties in the first six months of the attack alone. Every day, more soldiers and village guards die in guerrilla actions. Now the Turkish army is deploying an international mercenary squad of soldiers, similar to those in Syria and Rojava.
Living shields for mercenaries
As observers report, the hotels in the northern Kurdish city of Van are overcrowded with mercenaries, es- pecially from Syria and Central Asia. From there, they will be taken to Hakkari. Apparently, civilian coaches from various private companies are used to transport the mercenaries. Civilian travellers also ride on the buses. They are thus used as de facto living shields against guerrilla actions. In Hakkari, the merce- naries are taken to the military bases and from there to the front. These facts have now been confirmed by an eyewitness.
The vehicle was not stopped at any checkpoint
An ANF eyewitness, whose name cannot be released for security reasons, said: “I traveled from Van to Hakkari, where the private shuttle service picked me up and dropped me off in front of a hotel. I waited there for about an hour, there was another passenger with me. We asked the driver why we. We should have left an hour ago, and he said, ‘sorry, if you want, we can refund you the fare and take you to Hakkari for free.’”
The eyewitness said that about 15 people came out of the hotel after one hour and added: “All these peo- ple were young and in a hurry to get on the bus. Their ages ranged between 18 to 25. They were all foreign nationals. During the trip they did not speak to each other. There are usually many checkpoints along the Van to Hakkari road. At these checkpoints, every vehicle is stopped and searched, but we passed each checkpoint without being stopped.” Apparently, the checkpoints had been informed of our passage before- hand.
“They were brought there to fight”
The witness said: “When we arrived in Hakkari city center, we got out of the vehicle, but the shuttle bus with only the foreigners on board continued towards Fatih and the Hakkari Mountain Troops Command. I know many people who have witnessed similar things before. There were rumours about it, but I wit- nessed it personally. It was obvious that they brought these people there to fight.”
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20 The İmralı Post #23 IPPNW calls for an international investigation on Turkish use
of chemical weapons in northern Iraq
ANF | 12 October 2022
The International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) today published a report on possible violations of the ban on chemical weapons by Turkey in attacks on Kurdish civilians and PKK fighters in northern Iraq. According to the report, there are indications that partially confirm the suspi- cion. The report calls for an immediate, independent international investigation to further investigate the suspicions and to prevent future violations of the ban on chemical weapons by Turkey with measures within the framework of the United Nations.
“For more than a year, there have been allegations from the Kurdish side that Turkey has used chemical weapons. So far, there has been no clear evidence for this | even indirect evidence for this allegation was missing. This has now been provided by an IPPNW delegation from Germany and Switzerland. In their report published today, the authors point to the use of tear gas as well as evidence of improvised chemical agents such as chlorine gas,” the IPPNW said.
“The Turkish Defense Minister’s statements alone constitute a clear violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. In his speech to the Turkish parliament, he described the use of tear gas in a purely military confrontation. In such a situation, tear gas is indeed prohibited. There is only one exception in the Chemi- cal Weapons Convention (CWC) for use in the context of “riot control”, i.e. during demonstrations,” states Dr Jan van Aken from the Scientific Advisory Board of IPPNW Germany.
“In view of this violation, the CWC member states could enter into appropriate consultations with the Turkish government, invoking Article IX (1) of the Convention. Measures could also be taken within the framework of the United Nations to prevent future violations of the ban on chemical weapons by Turkey,” according to IPPNW.
“Evidence of the possible use of improvised chemical agents such as chlorine gas also called for an immedi- ate investigation of all allegations. The existing evidence is not sufficient to prove the use of chemical weapons, but it is strong enough to justify an independent international investigation by the OPCW. It would now be the responsibility of the OPCW member states to request such an investigation.
The full report can be found here:
https://www.ippnw.de/commonFiles/bilder/Frieden/ 2022_IPPNW_Report_on_possible_Turkish_CWC_violations_in_Northern_Iraq.pdf
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21 The İmralı Post #23 Military and civil defence preparations continue in Til Temir
ANF | Til Temir | 12 October 2022
After the Turkish occupation of the Serêkaniyê region in 2019, many towns and villages have turned into battlefields. The district of Til Temir (Tal Tamr) in Hesekê Canton is one of these battle fields.
The fascist Turkish army and its mercenaries occupied nearly 28 villages of Til Temir, and more than 23 villages are frequently bombed by the Turkish occupying forces.
‘Til Temir forces ready to protect people’
Speaking to ANHA, Akad Xabur, one of the commanders of the Til Temir Military Council, stated that their troops responded to the Turkish bombings against the district and maintained the security and stabil – ity of the district.
Xabur remarked that their forces were already ready to confront attacks, saying, “Our forces are ready to respond to any attack against the region and to protect the residents of Til Temir, the Kurdish, Arab, Syr- iac and Assyrian peoples.”
The invading Turkish army constrains the residents from meeting their basic needs, including the Alouk station, and pursues various policies to intimidate them.
Til Temir Council Co-Chair Ciwan Eyûb noted that the villages of Til Tewîl, Til Kevçi, Um Wexfe and Til Şenan were among the areas that suffered the most from the Turkish bombings against the region, and sa- cred places such as cemeteries were bombed as well.
Ciwan Eyûb stated that a Syriac cemetery, mosques, churches, schools, bridges, electricity stations were targeted by Turkey.
‘Turkish troops make no progress’
Eyûb remarked that the invading Turkish state could not advance further thanks to the unity of the com – ponents in the region. “For this reason, Turkey is pursuing a special war policy by cutting off the electricity in Til Temir and Hesekê and the water at the Alouk station and targeting the citizens.”
“We serve the villages of Til Temir through communes with our limited means. There may be a shortage of goods, including fuel oil consumed by the service and agricultural sectors. But there is a coordination between us and the communes to supply such goods to the citizens,” Eyûb continued.
Revolutionary people`s war
Furthermore, the district council carries out activities to prepare the people and citizens for a revolutionary people’s war. “Meetings are held with committees to defend the region and build barricades and shelters for citizens to protect themselves. The citizens are also trained to use light weapons. Moreover, night pa-
22 The İmralı Post #23 trols are carried out by security committees to maintain the security and stability of their towns and vil-
lages,” Eyûb added.
A citizen named Madlên El Ebîd from Til Temir expressed concern over the ongoing attacks against the district, stating, “After the occupation of Serêkaniyê and Girê Spi, security and stability in the region have been shattered when the Turkish occupation forces moved towards Til Temir district. The Turkish attacks against the district and its villages for three years have led to the displacement of the residents.”
‘We resist attacks on our lands’
“Despite the attacks of the invading Turkish state and its mercenaries, we are resisting in our own lands. No serious steps have been taken by the International Coalition and human rights organizations for the last three years. We don’t trust anyone, we don’t leave our lands to anyone, and we stand with our military forces,” Madlên El Ebîd added.
Another citizen named Mihemed Tahir said that residents of Til Temir and its countryside were facing a humanitarian catastrophe as the invading Turkish state started to cut off the waters to the Alouk station. Tahir noted that the invaders also bombed the power stations, adding, “We have been experiencing a tragic situation since the invading Turkish state and its mercenaries were deployed across Til Temir after the occupation of Serêkaniyê.”
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Member of the Syriac security forces Sotoro killed in Turkish
drone attack in Dêrik
ANF | 13 October 2022
In Rojava, the Christian minority of the Syriacs has its own security force, the Sotoro, in accordance with the model of pluralistic, grassroots self-government. They are part of the general internal security forces. According to the Sotoro Command, its member Ibrahim Bassam Mikhail was killed in a Turkish drone at- tack near Dêrik in the line of duty on 12 October. Accordingly, a Turkish killer drone targeted the vehicle Mikhail was traveling in near the Newroz refugee camp in the north-east of the city.
“The incessant attacks of the Turkish occupying state on our territories and forces are the result of the si- lence of the guarantor powers of the ceasefire and the international community. We honor the sacrifices of our martyrs and will follow their path. We reaffirm that we remain committed to preserving security and peace in our territories,” Sotoro said.
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23 The İmralı Post #23 Armored police vehicle runs over a minor in Hakkari
ANF | Hakkari | 14 October 2022
According to reports from the ground, a Ranger type police vehicle ran over 17-year-old H.A. on İpekyolu street in the Yüksekova district of Hakkari province.
The seriously injured teen was taken to Yüksekova State Hospital, from where he was transferred to Van Regional Training and Research Hospital after his condition worsened.
Armored vehicles killed 42 people in 13 years
Armoured vehicles of the Turkish security forces pose a major threat in Kurdish cities. According to the Human Rights Association, at least 42 people, including 20 children, were killed by armored vehicles in the last 13 years, between 2008 and 2021.
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10-day balance sheet of Turkish attacks on Gire Spi and Ain
Issa
ANF | Ain Issa | 15 October 2022
Gire Spi Military Council Spokesperson Wisam El Omer announced the 10-day balance sheet of Turkish attacks on Gire Spi and Ain Issa.
El Omer stated that the Turkish state has escalated its attacks on the surroundings of Ain Issa district, the town of Hisha, the villages of Fatsa, Khalidiya, Hoshan, Gultepe and Ghazali wheat silos. The attacks left several houses in Fatsa and Gultepe demolished, as well as the mosque in Fatsa village.
Gire Spi Military Council Spokesperson noted that not only civilian houses, but also water and power sta- tions were also targeted in the course of the attacks, leaving several settlements without electricity.
Pointing to ever-increasing attacks on the third anniversary of the occupation of Girê Spî (ar: Tal Abyad) and Serêkaniyê (ar: Ras al-Ain), El Omer said, “The Turkish state tries to displace the local people by bom- bardments with the ultimate goal of carrying out its occupation projects in Syrian territories and to turn the region into a safe haven for ISIS.
Wisam El Omer vowed that they would respond to the occupation attacks from the Turkish state and frustrate Turkey’s plans on Syria.
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24 The İmralı Post #23 Turkish bombing heavily injures a civilian in Bradost
ANF | 16 October 2022
The occupying Turkish army shelled the areas of Gerwi Rob Rolan, Tarisa, Kemkora and Geli Reş in Bra – dost region of southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq) on Sunday noon.
According to the South Kurdistan-based RojNews agency, a woman was seriously injured as a result of the attack and taken under treatment in the emergency department of the Soran Hospital.
The woman, identified as Şermin Esad, a mother of three, is reported to be doing animal husbandry with her family in the Bradost region.
—★— Turkey attacks Syrian regime troops
ANF | 16 October 2022
Turkey continues its belligerent aggression against the areas of the Autonomous Administration of North and Syria (AANES) unabated. In addition to civilian settlement areas and combat units of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the focus of the attacks is increasingly on positions of the Syrian armed forces.
In the canton of Shehba, a military post in the village of Minix (Minaq) north of the city of Tel Rifat was bombed by a Turkish combat drone last night. According to military sources, there was damage to prop- erty. From Kobanê, shelling was reported at a regime outpost in the east of the canton. No reliable infor- mation on the extent of the bombing was available at last.
On 3 October, four Syrian soldiers were killed by Turkish aerial bombardment in the village of Cîşan in the east of Kobanê. The civilian population was also attacked that day by Turkish troops with heavy ma- chine guns. The attacks were directed against the village of Qeremox near Cîşan. Two soldiers of the Syrian armed forces had been killed there in a Turkish drone strike on 18 September.
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25 The İmralı Post #23 HPG releases six-month balance sheet: 2346 soldiers killed, ten
helicopters shot down
ANF | Behdinan | 17 October 2022
The Press Centre of the People’s Defence Forces (HPG) has published a six-month balance sheet of the re – sistance against the Turkish invasion in the guerrilla-held Medya Defence Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq). The balance sheet includes the actions carried out within the framework of the “Revolu- tionary Offensives Bazên Zagrosê and Cenga Xabûrê Şehîd Savaş Maraş” between 14 April and 14 Octo- ber. 14 April is considered the start date of this year’s attempt of a large-scale Turkish invasion of Southern Kurdistan.
“Every square inch is a field of resistance”
The HPG statement published on Monday includes the following:
“The operation of Turkish colonial fascism to invade Southern Kurdistan, which was initially directed against the regions of Zap, Avaşîn and Metîna, has now passed its sixth month. From the first moment, the Kurdistan Freedom Guerrilla have made every square inch of Kurdistan where the invading forces set foot a field of resistance and dealt them heavy blows.
Today, the Kurdish freedom struggle has transcended the borders of Kurdistan and has become the hope for freedom of all oppressed peoples, women and youth. Thus, it has become the nightmare of colonialist great powers. The reawakened hopes of the oppressed are wanted to be destroyed in Kurdistan, specifically in the Kurdistan Freedom Guerrilla. Despite the massive invasion attacks using forbidden and most despi- cable methods, our forces have been able to confront the colonialists with their determination for freedom and their unprecedented Apoist will. The past six months have once again shown everyone – friend and foe alike – the invincibility of the Kurdish guerrillas. The freedom guerrillas, armed with the Apoist philoso- phy, are fulfilling the demands of their historical task without hesitation, knowing that they are defending the achievements of the Kurdish people and the democratic forces. On this basis, our forces are putting up an unprecedented and courageous resistance under the most difficult conditions and with the least means. Our comrades have dealt the hardest blows to the invaders everywhere where they least expected it with their tireless energy driven by the Apoist ideology. The Kurdistan Freedom Guerrilla have creatively devel- oped the tactics of the revolutionary people’s war and, on this basis, masterfully applies the new tactics of tunnel and positional warfare and highly mobile units.
The freedom guerrillas, who are fighting professionally on all battlefields from Bakur to Bashur [Northern and Southern Kurdistan], have proved once again that no power can stop our march towards freedom. It is unwaveringly following the path of victory that our immortal commanders, comrades Sara Tolhildan Goyî and Rûken Zelal, have shown. Our comrades thwarted the lies of the enemy who claimed that they had finished off the guerrillas in Bakur and that they were no longer able to take a step. Thus, with great work, effort, will, confidence and tactical intelligence, they succeeded in dealing blow after blow to the enemy at every available opportunity, even in Northern Kurdistan. Despite all kinds of special warfare and psycho- logical warfare, intelligence and the most modern technology, the guerrillas have also resisted in Northern
26 The İmralı Post #23
Kurdistan with the greatest determination and let the enemy run into the void. The spirit of resistance of the YJA Star (Free Women’s Troops) commanders Dicle, Diren and Adar, who resisted in the province of Amed (tr. Diyarbakır) with great heroine courage, has shown how deeply rooted and invincible the guer- rillas in Amed are. As in the Cudi resistance, the heroic resistance of comrades Dijwar and Yusuf in Besta shows that the Botan resistance tradition is still strong today. The heroic stance of comrades Aso Diren and Evîn Rêber in Gever strengthened the resistance character of Kurdish women during this period. Also in Omerya, Mardin, the heroic resistance of comrades Xebat and Zana, who resisted for three days against all technology and a large army contingent, left the enemy perplexed. The enemy could not liquidate these two comrades and when our friends ran out of ammunition, they gave the necessary answer to the enemy by defending the Apoist tradition according to their revolutionary honour and sacrificing themselves. It has been shown that if the strategy of the guerrilla of democratic modernity is implemented, the Turkish occupation army cannot achieve its aim even with its ground and air reconnaissance and technical superi- ority. The most concrete proof that the tactics of the new era can be skillfully put into practice and that big blows against the enemy are possible was provided by the practice in Botan, Amed and Mardin.
2476 attacks with prohibited weapons
Since its beginning on 14 April 2022, the invasion attack on the areas of Zap, Avaşîn and Metîna has not been able to achieve its goal in the face of resistance from our comrades. Instead, the invading forces suf – fered heavy losses. The Turkish army attacked the resistance areas tens of thousands of times by fighter jets, helicopters, with howitzers, mortars, tanks and artillery. During this period, the Turkish army, which was actively supported by the KDP and at the same time actively involved village guards and jihadist merce- naries recruited from Northern Kurdistan and Syria in the war, could not achieve the desired result, al- though it mobilized all the technology and weapons supplied by NATO and carried out tens of thousands of attacks. The war criminal Turkish state, stuck in the face of the resistance of the Kurdish freedom guer- rillas, therefore attacked the resistance areas with internationally outlawed bombs and chemical weapons in full view of the whole world. Although our armed forces documented these war crimes in a hot war situa- tion and with the most meagre means and brought them to the attention of the whole public, the interna- tional world remained silent. The Turkish army has taken courage from this and has increased its cowardly and dishonorable attacks, which are in no way compatible with the law of war and human morality, day after day. In six months since the beginning of the occupation attacks, the most serious war crimes have been committed by attacking war tunnels and positions in the resistance areas 2476 times with prohibited bombs and chemical weapons.
2346 Occupiers killed in 2256 actions
Despite all these attacks, the Kurdistan Freedom Guerrilla carried out 2256 actions with a wide range of tactics, such as ambushes, infiltrations, raids, sabotage, assassinations, the use of heavy weapons, ‘hit and run’ actions, coordinated guerrilla actions, air defense force actions and revolutionary operations. These ac- tions skillfully put into practice the guerrilla tactics of the new era based on the guerrilla of democratic modernity. In the process, 2346 members of the invading forces were killed and their attacks were thwarted on a large scale. The General Staff of the Turkish state and its special war media are making in- tensive efforts to deceive the peoples of Turkey and the world public with false scenarios and lies. Despite the limited possibilities, the few actions recorded by the guerrillas and presented to the public revealed the truth about the Turkish special war based on lies.
27 The İmralı Post #23 153 Guerrillas martyred
Only thanks to great sacrifice could the genocidal aims and invasion attacks of the war criminal Turkish state be stopped. This resistance also represents a struggle for democracy and freedom in the name of the peoples of the region, because the AKP/MHP regime is trying to flood the whole region with its fascism. The resistance against this attack of the Turkish state, which is based on the air force and all kinds of high technology, was only possible with the great love for freedom, the will to win on the line of the martyrs and the unshakable faith created by the Apoist ideology. During the six-month war, 153 of our comrades inflicted the heaviest losses in the history of the struggle on the enemy and fell as martyrs. We once again remember with respect and gratitude all our martyrs who created a true epic of courage under the leader- ship of our comrades Nurî, Mizgîn, Rohat, Şaristan, Mahir, Bager, Avzem, Doğan, Nalin, Güven, Zamanî, Ronahî, Helbest, Fedaî, Siyabend, Berfîn and Mêrdîn. We promise that we will continue to strengthen the resistance based on the line of the martyrs and crown their memory with victory.”
Six months Balance sheet
The HPG reported the following results in their monthly balance sheet:
– 2256 actions involving a wide range of tactics including ambushes, infiltrations, raids, sabotage, assassi- nations, the use of heavy weapons, ‘hit and run’ actions, coordinated guerrilla actions, air defence force ac – tions and revolutionary operations.
– A total of 2346 members of the occupation forces, including 12 counter-guerrillas and 17 high-ranking soldiers, were killed.
– 310 members of the occupation forces were wounded.
Attacks on the Medya Defense Zones
3491 air raids by fighter jets; 4197 helicopter attacks; 2476 uses of banned bombs under international law (phosphorus bomb, thermobaric bomb, tactical nuclear bomb) and poison gas against guerrilla tunnels and positions.
Weapons ans euipment seized
10 MPT-55 infantry rifles; 4 AK-47 infantry rifles; 3 G-3 infantry rifles; 3 grenade launchers; 2 M-16 in- fantry rifles; 2 HK-416 infantry rifles; 1 BKC machine gun; 1 B-7 rocket launcher; 1 MPT-66 infantry ri – fle; 4 pistols; 4 grenade launcher shells; 848 M-16 and BKC ammunition; 18 hand grenades and numer- ous smoke grenades; 4 assault waistcoats (steel); 4 steel shields; 2 cartridge belts; 9 magazines; 7 day/night binoculars; 3 thermal imaging devices; 3 laser markers; 2 infrared scopes; 1 thermal imaging camera; 1 pair of laser binoculars; 4 camera systems; 3 head-mounted cameras; 1 portable radar system; 24 kg of ex- plosives; 4 mines; 1 remote detonator; 1 mine detector; 6 mobile phones; 3 radios; 1 solar energy panel; 1 compass; 4 knives (bayonets); 6 military backpacks; 2 barrets; 2 helmets; 9 torches; 2 UPS power convert- ers; 1 power bank; 2 charges of cortex, TNT, C3; Parts of surveillance camera systems
28 The İmralı Post #23
Destroved military equipment and vehicles
7 Sikorsky transport helicopters; 3 attack helicopters; 2 tanks; 17 armored vehicles – military vehicles; 4 excavators; 57 surveillance camera systems; 49 drones; 7 radar positions; 5 thermal imaging cameras; 2 telescopes; 3 signal jammers; 3 motion sensors; 2 Audio listening device; 1 photo trap; 1 container; 91 em- placements; 24 military tents; 1 camouflage net; 1 poison gas delivery system; 1 ammunition depot; 5 A4 weapons; 2 BKC machine guns; 120 kg of explosives; 7 explosive devices; 1 A-4 position; 2 chemical weapons; 2 suction devices; 1 grenade launcher
Damaged military equipment
43 Sikorsky transport helicopters; 32 attack helicopters; 18 emplacements; 12 drones; 9 excavators; 4 ar- moured military vehicles; 3 military tents.
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Feminicide
Turkey admits it murdered academic and journalist Nagihan Akarsel
ANF | Hewler | 10 October 2022
The President of the Kurdistan Region, Mesrur Barzani, met with Ali Rıza Güney, Ambassador of the Turkish state to Iraq on Sunday.
At the opening ceremony of a visa office in Hewlêr, the Turkish government representative was asked by a journalist in front of live cameras what he thought about the allegations that Turkey was responsible for the murder of Akarsel. Güney replied: “We attach more importance to Iraq’s sovereignty than some ele- ments in the country itself. (…) Iraq has always been our neighbour, friend and brother. Security, stability and prosperity are our priorities in Iraq. Our goal is to maintain our bilateral relations as two sovereign states free from terrorist organizations. Hence, our sensitivity and expectation in the fight against terror- ism. PKK-oriented and PKK-related targets are at the center of our attention.”
Ambassador justifies Turkish military action in Iraq
Previously, Güney justified Turkey’s military offensive against the PKK guerrillas in South Kurdistan (Kur- distan region of Iraq), with an alleged “incompetence” of Baghdad and Hewlêr, allegedly terrorist activities that pose a threat to the national security of Turkey to put a stop to it effectively. “Responsibility for coun – tering terrorist organizations lies with Iraq’s central and regional governments. If there is no will or ability
29 The İmralı Post #23 to meet this responsibility, we will of course carry out operations to neutralize terror, which is also a threat
to Turkish citizens – regardless of borders and wherever we are.”
—★— In memory of Havrin Khalaf
ANF | 12 October 2022
Hevrin Khalaf was a politician and human rights activist, born in the city of al-Malikiyah on 15 Novem- ber 1984. She studied in Malikiyah schools, after which she enrolled at the University of Aleppo to study at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and graduated in 2009.
She grew up as a child in a socially and politically engaged family. Four of her brothers and Havrin’s sister, Zozan, joined the liberation struggle and fell in the ranks of the Kurdish freedom movement.
Her mother Sûad participated in many popular assemblies of Abdullah Öcalan. What she learned here also had a great influence on the education and personality development of Havrin. With the proclama- tion of the Democratic Autonomous Administration, she took over responsibility as deputy co-chairper- son in the Energy Committee of the Democratic Self-Government in the Canton of Cizîre. In 2015, she played an important role in improving and strengthening the energy supply and economic work in the canton of Cizîre. Her work paid particular attention to the economic needs of women and the development of women’s economics. In 2018, Havrin participated in the process of setting up and founding the Syrian Future Party with the aim of advocating for the interests of all Syrian population groups and a democratic renewal of Syria.
At the founding of the Syrian Future Party on March 27, 2018 in Raqqa, she was selflessly committed to the task of Secretary General. Speaking on the occasion of the 8th anniversary of the popular uprising in Syria, Havrin expressed her conviction that the political crisis in Syria cannot be resolved by war. She said, “Eight years have passed. The popular uprisings against the crisis and the struggle of the peoples of Syria have been widely sacrificed and turned into a war. The ongoing crisis in Syria, which is the reason for the displacement and murder of the population, cannot be settled without a political solution.”
In each of her speeches, Havrin emphasized the importance of dialogue among the various Syrian political forces and communities. She insisted that the peoples should determine their own future and shape their own political and social lives together. Through her political struggle, Havrin called on all circles of society and political actors to participate in a democratic solution to the crisis in Syria.
With the beginning of the Turkish occupation war against the territories of the Democratic Autonomous Administration in northern and eastern Syria on October 9, 2019, Havrin resolutely continued her politi- cal struggle. In an ambush by members of a jihadist killer gang allied with Turkey, she was executed.
30 The İmralı Post #23
Havrin Khalaf has played an unforgettable role in the women’s revolution of Rojava and the community of peoples with her life and work. To commemorate her is to defend more resolutely than ever the women’s revolution in northern and eastern Syria and to continue her sparks in all the countries of the Middle East and the world.
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Ecocide
Turkey accelerates ecocide in the Kurdish region
ANF | 8 October 2022
The plunder of nature in North Kurdistan has reached an unprecedented level in recent years. Massive tree falling remains rampant in the cities of Bingöl, Dersim and Şırnak.
In Şırnak province, trees have been cut down by village guards under the supervision of Turkish soldiers for two years, especially in Besta, Cudi and Gabar regions. Last year, forests were burned in the rural areas of Şamoşi and Zogar villages in Dersim’s Hozat district due to military operations. For the last four months, trees have been felled in the same area as part of a so-called “regreening” campaign.
In the Liçik (Kaynarpınar) village in the Karlıova district of Bingöl, trees have been cut down massively for five months, causing serious damage to the eco-system.
Despite the protest march to Mount Cudi in protest at the ecocide in Kurdistan, hashtag campaigns on the social media, parliamentary questions on the subject and many other related actions, the ecological de- struction in the region has not been stopped by the government.
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1200 families left their homes due to drought in southern Iraq
ANF | 11 October 202
The marshlands of southern Iraq, often referred to as the ‘Garden of Eden’, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region experienced a drought last summer due to the lack of rainfall and the decrease in the water flow of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers caused by the construction of dams by the Turkish and Iranian states.
31 The İmralı Post #23
“About 1,200 water buffalo herdsmen or farmer families in the marshlands or other parts of the Zikar province were forced to leave their houses due to water shortages,” Salih Hadi, director of the agricultural institution in the Zikar province, told AFP.
The local official said that this migration had started in April. “Half of these families settled near the rivers in the north of Nasiriyah. Others are reported to have gone to other regions in the centre or south of the country.
In a statement at the end of September, the Ministry of Hydraulic Resources revealed that 2022 was one of the driest years in Iraq since 1930. The Ministry stated that the drought was caused by the decrease in rainfall and in the water coming from neighbouring countries in the last three years.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported that there was an “un- precedented decrease in water levels” in July, adding that the marshlands are “one of the poorest regions in Iraq and most affected by climate change”. Pointing to the “disastrous impact” of the drought and water shortages on more than 6,000 families, the FAO noted that families were “losing their only source of in – come, water buffalos”.
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Yet another dam to be built in Zap Valley
ANF | Hakkari | 13 October 2022
A new dam is going to be built to destroy natural life in the Zap Valley and to force the people living in the region to migrate.
The AKP-MHP government has already built several hydroelectric power stations (HES) and 3 dams in the valley in 2020-2021. It is reported that the construction of a new dam will be started this year.
Once the construction of the dam in Hakkari, Yüksekova and Çukurca triangle is completed, Zap Valley will be flooded, and natural life will be destroyed. Many villages and hamlets in this region such as Çanaklı, Kırıkdağ, Bağışlı and Geçimli will remain under water because of the new dam. Villagers will thus be forced to migrate.
The people of Hakkari say that the existing dams or dams to be built in Zap Valley are of no use to the natural life and people of Hakkari. They dub these dams as “the dams of fear” built for security purposes. The local people will be displaced, and nature will be damaged, according to the people of Hakkari.
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32 The İmralı Post #23 Surp Sarkis Armenian Church defies destruction
ANF | Amed | 17 October 2022
One of the most striking indicators of the efforts of the current AKP-MHP government to literally pour concrete on history and culture is the borough of Sur in Amed, which has been demolished and razed to the ground.
After the domination of the Hurrian-Mitanids until 1260, many places of worship were built in Amed, which was home to Assyrian, Arami, Urartu, Scythian, Med, Persian, Macedonian, Roman, Mervani, Hamdani, Seljuk and many other civilizations.
One of the places of worship that has survived to this day is the Surp Sarkis Armenian Church, which has a 500-year history. While basalt stones, iron and lime were used in the construction of the church, it is possible to see that basalt stones were also used in the arch, door, buttress and windows. Surp Sarkis Church, located in Alipaşa and built in the 16th century, was used as a granary during the Armenian Genocide, before being transformed into a rice factory. The church, which started to collapse over the years, is about to disappear. Many of its stones have been stolen and the church has been plundered. The government wants to erase it from memory.
Resisting in Sur
The historical building, also known as Hızır Ilyas Church, defies destruction. Although some parts of the church have been demolished, holes enough for a person to pass through, and many of the inscribed or embroidered stones inside the walls have been removed and stolen, the church is determined to resist the ongoing cultural genocide and war. In fact, it has managed to survive despite the destruction pursued by the state.
Genocide continues
In the borough of Sur, where many historical houses have been destroyed, new buildings have been built to erase the memory of the area. Attacks on the culture and belief of peoples whose houses were destroyed and who were expelled from Sur with blood and tears continue. While tens of people lost their lives in Sur, whose 6 neighbourhoods were destroyed during the curfews, it is clear that those who demolished the five- thousand-year-old memory sites and poured concrete on them wanted to hide the crime against humanity and tried to destroy the historical and cultural memory.
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33 The İmralı Post #23
Human Rights Violations
Police searched for Öcalan’s pictures in kebab shop in Poland
ANF | 8 October 2022
A widespread raid against Kurds took place in Poland on 4 October. Fifty people were detained, phones, computers and storage media were confiscated. One of the people involved spoke to Yeni Özgur Politika about the raid. Harûn Jirkî is one of the Kurds who were detained in Poznan. He stated that a Newroz cel- ebration in 2018 was given as the reason: “The reason for the raids were PKK flags and pictures of Abdul- lah Öcalan displayed on Newroz. There was also talk of suspected financial support for the organisation and possession of weapons.”
According to Jirkî, police officers involved in the search claimed that they were from the Turkish intelli- gence service MIT. In addition, police officers who saw a tattooed picture of Commander Egîd on the shoulder of a Kurd detained in Warsaw, spoke Turkish among themselves and said: “This is Mahsum Ko- rkmaz.”
Kebab shops searched
Jirkî is convinced that the operation is the result of a deal between Poland and Turkey: “The searches were amateurish and hectic. In a kebab restaurant, weapons were searched among the potatoes, in a kebab shop for pictures of Abdullah Öcalan. Not only Kurds were affected, the flats of Turks who have contact with Kurds and work with them were also searched. Their computers and telephones were confiscated.”
Harûn Jirkî pointed out that the Polish media did not report on the raid: “That’s why we assume it was se- cret and connected to the Turkish state.”
Only a report in the ultra-conservative portal fronda.pl described the mass arrests as a scandal.
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Turkey seeks to further restrict LGBTQ rights
ANF | 9 October 2022
The Turkish government wants to further restrict the rights of LGBTQ people. President Recep Tayyip Er – doğan this week announced constitutional amendments to protect “family values”. On Wednesday, Er- doğan called on the opposition to support new amendments granting Muslim women who cover their hair constitutional recognition of their rights to education and employment, after Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu,
34 The İmralı Post #23
leader of the secular Republican People’s Party (CHP), proposed a new law that would provide similar guarantees. Erdoğan also said his government planned to propose constitutional amendments to protect the family. Later in the week, Erdoğan said that “some powers” were exploiting the problem of LGBTQ people to destroy the Turkish family structure.
Citing sources in the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), Altan Sancar, a journalist in Ankara, said during a broadcast on YouTube on Friday that the government may propose an amendment to the definition of the family in Article 41 of the Constitution that would target not only LGBTQ people but all types of relationships outside marriage.
According to Yıldız Tar of KAOS GL, a well-known LGBTQ organisation, the government has declared war on feminists and LGBTQ people. The changes proposed by the government could be similar to those already passed in Hungary, Tar told Gazete Duvar.
Lawyer Emrah Şahin assesses Erdoğan’s announcements as a move in the run-up to the upcoming elec- tions to consolidate conservative voters. However, he also points out the implications: “If he introduces a new law against LGBTQ people and includes sexual orientation and gender identity in the law, it means the de facto recognition of LGBTQ people. Until today, these people didn’t even exist in his eyes.”
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HDP MP violently assaulted during protest against 9 October
conspiracy
ANF | Hakkari | 9 October 2022
On the fringes of a planned demonstration to mark the anniversary of the beginning of the international conspiracy of 9 October 1998, the Turkish police violently attacked parliamentarians and media workers in the Yüksekova district of Hakkari on Sunday. HDP MP Habip Eksik was punched in the face and dragged along the ground, suffering a bleeding nose. His parliamentary group colleague Sait Dede was also attacked. According to reports, 20 people were taken into custody in the crackdown.
The demonstration was promoted by the HDP (Peoples’ Democratic Party) and the DBP (Democratic Regions Party) as well as the TJA (Free Women’s Movement) under the motto “We march for freedom”. The aim of the initiative is to send a signal against the Turkish state’s war policy, to demand the lifting of Abdullah Öcalan’s incommunicado detention and the resumption of peace negotiations and conditions for the PKK founder in which he can live and work freely in order to contribute to the solution of the Kur – dish question. The police broke up the planned demonstration before it began.
Journalists also attacked and detained
The police also used violence against members of the media. The persons concerned are Rabia Önver from the women’s news agency JinNews and the MA (Mezopotamya Agency) reporter Mazlum Engindeniz.
35 The İmralı Post #23
They are in police custody with other people, including the co-chair of HDP Yüksekova branch, Şoreş Diri. Member of Parliament Habip Eksik was taken to hospital and given a plaster cast due to a broken leg. The 37-year-old politician has announced that he would take legal action against the Yüksekova po- lice.
Plot against Öcalan
9 October marks the anniversary of the forced departure of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan in 1998 and thus the beginning of the international conspiracy that led to the PKK leader’s abduction to Turkey on 15 February 1999. Since then, Öcalan has been held as a political hostage on the prison island of Imrali, most of the time under conditions of total isolation.
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At least 40 detained in police attack on demo against October 9
conspiracy in Van
ANF | Van | 9 October 2022
9 October marks the anniversary of the forced departure of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan in 1998 and thus the beginning of the international conspiracy that led to the PKK leader’s abduction to Turkey on 15 February 1999. Since then, Öcalan has been held as a political hostage on the prison island of Imrali, most of the time under conditions of total isolation.
As part of country-wide demonstrations organised under the motto “We march for freedom” to mark the 24th anniversary of the conspiracy, Kurdish parties and organisations staged a protest in Van province, which was besieged by the police deployed on all the streets.
Despite the massive police deployment, masses managed to march to the city center where they launched a sit-in action in the face of the arbitrary obstruction and the brutal detention of dozens of people.
Speaking here, HDP MP Tayyip Temel denounced the brutal action taken against those who took to the streets today to condemn the conspiracy against Öcalan.
HDP MP Sezai Temelli stated the crackdown they faced was a part of the conspiracy and isolation policy pursued against the Kurdish people.
Temelli denounced the “enmity and atrocity of the police, who he defined as the paramilitary forces of a party.
“Dozens of people have been taken into custody because they wanted to use their democratic right to as- sembly. The fascist mentality did not tolerate this and subjected us to violence,” he said.
36 The İmralı Post #23
Pointing to the isolation imposed on Öcalan, Temelli said, “We have been doomed to hell because of this conspiracy, the consequences of which are the persecution, violence and bloodshed that we have experi- enced during the past 24 hours. This is an order orchestrated by the tyrant state mindset. We must break the isolation to get rid of this persecution. The solution to this issue requires an immediate talk with its addressee. Öcalan is the interlocutor for a democratic resolution. The isolation executed on him did and will bring about nothing but poverty and violence. The fact that the Kurdish question remains unsolved lies at the heart of all the problems in this country. Unless the Kurdish question is resolved, neither peace nor democracy will come to this country.”
The HDP deputy continued, “We do not want to live within this order. We try to build a fair and lawful order and to live as equal citizens. We know that the path to this passes through Imrali. The Gemlik march we started on 12 June continues with resolve and commitment. You will not be able to stop or deter us. We will crush isolation and fascism.”
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Victims of Ankara massacre commemorated
ANF | Ankara | 10 October 2022
Seven years after the serious terrorist attack in Ankara, the police used violence against participants of a commemoration event. All access roads and side streets around the main railway station, the scene of the massacre, were cordoned off with police barriers, and numerous people were assaulted. The security forces prevented the demonstrators and members of the media from gathering for the commemoration on Mon- day. Only relatives and some members of parliament and representatives of important institutions such as the Medical Association (TTB) were allowed to attend. Around twenty people who protested against the police action were detained without giving any reason.
On 10 October 2015, two suicide bombers from an ISIS terrorist cell known to the police blew them- selves up in front of the train station in the Turkish capital in the middle of a peace rally promoted by the HDP (Peoples’ Democratic Party) together with the trade union federation KESK and other left-wing democratic organisations against the Turkish state’s war against the Kurdish population. Over a hundred people died and more than 500 others were injured, some seriously. To date, the attack has cost the lives of 104 people involved in the peace initiative.
“Murderer ISIS, collaborator AKP”
At 10.04 a.m., the time of the attack, a minute’s silence was observed for the victims in front of the rail- way station in Ankara, despite police disruptions. Many of those present carried signs with the photos of their killed relatives and placards reading “We do not forget, we do not forgive”, “Murderer ISIS, Collabo- rator AKP” and “The time will come when the murderers will answer to the people”. Mehtap Sakinci Coş- gun, who lost her husband in the attack seven years ago and subsequently founded the “Peace and Solidar- ity Association of 10 October” with other bereaved families, was the first to give a speech.
37 The İmralı Post #23 “Our grief is now acknowledged”
“Every year on 10 October, we gather in this place to demand respect for our suffering and pain. But un- fortunately, time and again, we find that our grief is not acknowledged and people who want to remember their loved ones are attacked. We do not want to be isolated from our friends who want to mourn with us. We want to commemorate together, without police officers beating up on mourners.” With regard to the trial proceedings surrounding the attack, Coşgun criticized the fact that the victims were still denied peace of mind, as victims and surviving relatives have not been given justice or fairness to this day. So far, only nine people have been convicted in connection with the attack, who are alleged to have been behind the preparations for the massacre. Forces within the state who, according to research by a lawyers’ collective, were allegedly involved in the attack have not been charged. Relatives of the victims accuse the Turkish government of not wanting to clarify the exact circumstances of the crime because of its own guilt.
Accusation: Contract killing by the state
The suicide attack in Ankara was the most serious terrorist attack in Turkey’s history. It took place at a time when President Tayyip Erdoğan was building his one-man regime. On 30 October 2014, the Na- tional Security Council approved the plan to crush the Kurdish liberation movement. The outcome of the parliamentary election in June 2015 initially thwarted Erdoğan’s plans and shook his state doctrine. After 13 years of sole rule, the AKP lost its absolute majority, thanks to the HDP entering parliament with over 13 per cent of the vote and 80 MPs. “This was a landslide defeat,” Şükran Kablan Yeşil, the co-chair of KESK, said at the commemoration ceremony, recalling the political phase in 2015. Just two days before the election, there had been an attack on the HDP’s final campaign rally in Amed (tr. Diyarbakir), killing five people. One of the subsequent massacres was the Suruç attack on 20 July 2015, in which 33 young people were blown up by a suicide bomber. The ISIS cell monitored by security authorities, which also carried out the Ankara attack, is responsible for both attacks.
“The struggle for justice continues everywhere”
“These were attacks by barbaric forces in this country, which were specifically directed against those circles that are in resistance for the democratisation of Turkey. Those responsible for the Ankara massacre are not only those who remained silent in the face of the dark times, those who helped prepare the attacks, those who are still on the run or in prison because of their complicity, but also those within the political elite. Our struggle for justice will only end when all those responsible have been brought to justice. This is espe- cially true for those who, then as now, believe themselves to be under the protection of the rulers,” said Şükran Kablan Yeşil.
Afterwards, other people had their say, including DISK leader Arzu Çerkezoğlu, TMMOB chair Emin Koramaz, TTB general secretary Vedat Bulut and several victims’ relatives. Among them was Zöhre Tedik, mother of activist Korkmaz Tedik. She condemned the fact that only relatives were allowed by the police to attend the commemoration. “The struggle for justice continues everywhere, until our last drop of blood,” said the Kurdish woman from Malatya. At the end, red carnations were laid down in the square in front of the station as a sign of remembrance.
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38 The İmralı Post #23 HDP MP Habip Eksik: They kicked my broken leg with boots
ANF | Ankara | 12 October 2022
On 9 October, Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) MP Habip Eksik was seriously injured in the police at- tack on the protest marking the anniversary of the beginning of the international plot against Abdullah Öcalan in Yüksekova district of Hakkari province in Northern Kurdistan. The MP had to undergo surgery due to a comminuted fracture. From the Ankara State Hospital, he made serious accusations against the police.
Speaking to the Mezopotamya news agency (MA) about the demonstration, Eksik stated, “The most im- portant approach to solving the Kurdish question is to end the isolation on Imrali. The problems regard- ing democracy, fundamental rights and freedoms in Turkey are due to the lack of a solution process. Our demonstration in Yüksekova and other regions aimed to condemn and protest against the isolation of Ab- dullah Öcalan. According to the constitution, all demonstrations and assemblies that do not call for vio- lence can be organised without a permit. We have repeatedly said that this is our constitutional right.”
“They knew we are MPs”
Eksik spoke about the attack during the talks with the police on the implementation of the protest: “While the negotiations were going on, the police attacked on the orders of the head of operations. Our MP Sait Dede from. Hakkari was also attacked. They tried to break his leg with kicks. As he is not as heavy as me, he bounced back from the kick and did not have his leg broken. This shows that there was an order to break his leg or something. They dispersed the crowd there with gas and gas grenades and deliber- ately created space around us. Even though they knew we were MPs – they know MP Sait Dede very well and I had already explained that I am an MP – they hit my head with a shield.”
“It was a planned attack”
After the attack, Eksik declared that he would file a complaint. This was followed by another attack: “When I tried to pull out the phone, they started attacking me again. I was about to record a video when all the policemen started attacking me. They attacked me with kicks, slaps, punches, clubs and everything they had. While I was still standing, they started beating me and broke my leg while I was standing. After I fell to the ground, they stomped on my leg and continued to beat me. When they finally saw that people started filming, they moved away. The images circulated in the media are the last moments of the attack. It was a planned and organised attack.”
Seven hours in the ambulance with a broken leg
Eksik was first taken to the hospital in Yüksekova, but the fracture was so severe that he could not be oper – ated on there. “Actually, I was supposed to be transferred by plane, but as the weather conditions were bad, I was sent to Batman, where I travelled for seven hours. From Batman I was taken by plane to Ankara. In the morning, I was operated on. I have a comminuted fracture in my thigh. Three fractures are very severe, and it was a very difficult operation because the policemen stomped on my leg,” Eksik said. The doctors explained that such a bad injury would normally only occur in a serious traffic accident.
39 The İmralı Post #23
Eksik, himself a medical doctor, continued: “They specifically hit the femur with boots and kicks. Because these kicks hit so massively, the femur was completely shattered. My operation lasted three hours. There was no one we could talk to during the attack. We tried to protect our faces and eyes during the attack. 20 to 30 people hitting one person is a very serious thing. Although I persistently shouted ‘my leg is broken, my leg is broken’, they continued to kick me.”
“We will continue to fight”
Eksik underlined the need for a common struggle against police violence against MPs. Reacting to the si- lence of Mustafa Şentop, Speaker of Parliament, Eksik said: “The Speaker of Parliament, who took an oath of impartiality, should have stood against this violence. All political parties, all democratic mass organisa- tions and all NGOs should stand against this police violence. Our people should teach a lesson to this government that wants to ensure its survival through violence. I am a doctor who was illegally dismissed due to a decree. But I have continued to work for peace, democracy, rights and freedoms in Turkey. I did not leave this country but fought to change and transform it. I will continue to fight so that the peoples of Turkey can live in peace. I will continue to contribute to the struggle. You cannot stop the Kurdish politi- cal movement and the revolutionaries of Turkey by breaking our legs, removing people from the profession by decree, narrowing the political space and intimidating people with pressure. We will continue to fight until we achieve peace, democracy, justice and equality.”
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At least 157 workers killed on the job in September, says ISIG
ANF | Istanbul | 13 October 2022
At least 157 workers were killed on the job in September, according to the monthly report of the Health and Safety Labor Watch (ISIG).
The report added that 1,359 workers were killed in the first nine months of the year.
At least 120 workers were killed in January, 109 were killed in February, 122 were killed in March, 129 were killed in April, 176 were killed in May, 189 were killed in June, 171 were killed in July, and 186 were killed in August.
Among the killed workers, 1,173 (86%) were paid workers (workers and civil servants) and 186 were working on their own behalf (shopkeepers and farmers).
Only 39, or 2.86%, of the killed workers were unionized, whereas 1,320, or 97.14%, of them were not members of a union.
86 of the workers who have died so far this year were women, while 1,273 were men. 21 child workers (under 15) and 31 child workers between the ages of 15-17 were killed.
40 The İmralı Post #23 ISIG was not able to confirm the ages of 76 workers, but 212 workers were in the 18-27 age group, 659
were in the 28-50 age group, 280 were in the 51-64 age group and 80 were older than 65.
75 refugee workers have been killed on the job since the start of the year. 33 were from Syria, 16 were from Afghanistan, four were from Uzbekistan, 3 were from Iran, 6 were from Turkmenistan, and one worker each from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Russia, Pakistan, Serbia, Ukraine and Greece each.
The highest number of deaths occurred in the sector of agriculture and forestry with 275, including 141 workers and 134 farmers.
269 workers who died worked in the construction and road sector, 163 were in the transportation sector, 79 were in the trade, office, education and cinema sector, and 79 were in the metal sector.
ISIG was not able to identify the sectors of 38 workers.
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Conscientious objectors face repression and imprisonment in
Turkey
Roni Aram | Istanbul | 13 October 2022
The Turkish war machine, which boasts the second largest NATO army, is constantly in need of new can- non fodder. All means are used for the forced recruitment of young men. Conscientious objectors in Tur- key have been persecuted for decades and subjected to fines, imprisonment and further repression. Reha Eskidir is one of them. Eskidir announced on 1 September 2012 at a peace rally in Istanbul-Kadiköy that he would not join the military. For ten years, he has been persecuted as a conscientious objector, like many others.
The last time a refusal case was opened against him was in October 2021 and he was sentenced to five months and 18 days in prison. The sentence was upheld without reassessment even after appeal. Due to illness, his custodial sentence was postponed, and he is now due to start his sentence on 30 November.
Every identity check means a new trial
Eskidir spoke to ANF about the verdict and the treatment of conscientious objectors in Turkey: “I have been a conscientious objector since 2012. After the coup attempt on 15 July (2016), my military service status was no longer visible during checks. But then it reappeared. In such a case, there is a document that one has to sign at the military service office. If you haven’t signed it, it becomes visible during identity checks. But since we reject this on principle, we naturally don’t go there and become conscientious objec- tors. And since we don’t go there, this becomes a new procedure after every identity check.”
41 The İmralı Post #23
Thus, multiple convictions take place after each identity check for the same “offence”. According to Es- kidir, his trial was unlawful: “In my trial I went to the Court of Appeal. Normally, this case should have gone to appeal under the simple court procedure, not to review. The Court of Appeal did not quash the judgment and referred it back to the District Court. It was supposed to give me a hearing date and retry me, but instead the judgment was made final. That is unlawful. Of course, we will appeal against it.”
Multiple convictions as a means of repression
Eskidir noted, “I will also use my right of individual appeal to the Constitutional Court, because while normally a person can only be convicted once for an offence, we are convicted multiple times.” Eskidir had two other trials for the same “offence” and they were combined. Recalling that six such trials were merged in the case of conscientious objector Inan Mayis Aru, he said: “They use all kinds of underhand methods to intimidate us.”
New fines every year
Because of the persecution, Eskidir has not been able to work or travel registered for ten years. “I have not been able to take a job with insurance for years, nor have I looked for one. If you get an insured job, after a month or two your employer receives a letter saying that he employs a conscientious objector. Of course, the employer then dismisses you. Because I know that, I work in construction.”
Bank accounts blocked, leaving the city impossible
“In addition, the bank accounts of some friends have been blocked. For every year we don’t do military service, we have to pay a fine of 1,100 TL. I don’t know exactly what happened with this inflation, but my debt was 30,000 Lira. I don’t know how much it is now. And because we don’t pay this administrative fine, we are put in prison or threatened. Moreover, our right to freedom of movement is also blocked be- cause there are police checks at the entrance of every town and fines are imposed on conscientious objec- tors here. That is why many of those affected no longer leave the city where they live,” Eskidir added.
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PYD: Turkey is engaged in human trafficking
ANF | 13 October 2022
The Democratic Union Party (PYD) General Assembly made a statement concerning the latest refugee boat sinking and said that the Turkish state is engaged in human smuggling and is responsible.
The PYD statement released on Thursday includes the following:
“We are sorry to learn that dozens of Kurdish youths, mostly from Kobanê, lost their lives after their boat sank while trying to cross from Algeria to Europe. We offer our condolences to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives in the incident.
42 The İmralı Post #23
The displacement policy is one of the main methods that enemies of the Kurds have used against us for centuries. Migration has increased for various reasons, such as massacres, killings, oppression, restriction of living conditions and organization of human trafficking groups.
With the beginning of the Syrian revolution, the fascist Turkish state established refugee camps along the Syrian border, encouraging Syrians to migrate and become refugees. The aim is to force the indigenous in- habitants of the region to migrate and replace them by terrorist groups and their families. The plan is still in place. As we have witnessed in all the areas occupied by the Turkish state, human trafficking continues on a systematic basis.
Not contended with what it has done in the occupied territories, the Turkish state is now spreading the war everywhere.
Even though Turkey signed two ceasefire agreements with Russia and the US, it bombs all the regions in Rojava every day. Its aim is to intimidate people, to evacuate villages and towns, and to undermine the sta- bility of the region. Moreover, in cooperation with the Syrian regime and its supporters, it has besieged Rojava in order to deprive its residents of their basic needs. And economic crises emerged as the people of the region had no opportunities for employment and production.
Further to that, the enemies of the Kurds organized human trafficking groups through their intelligence services. They steal and plunder people’s money and goods in return for taking them to Europe. These refugees die of cold or starvation or suffocate in trucks. Or human traffickers put them on death boats. In any case, the enemy gets rid of refugees either by their deaths or by taking them to a foreign country where they will be assimilated.
We believe that he who leaves his land and country is like a tree which is uprooted. He will either be drowned or left for an uncertain destiny in a society and land that are not his. It will be us, our nation and our country that will lose. The loss suffered most recently is thus a great loss for our nation and coun- try.
We call on the youth not to leave their lands and people and to work to rebuild their country. They should not be deceived by human traffickers. We offer our condolences to the families of our young people who lost their lives in this incident.
We will do our best to ensure that similar incidents do not happen again by fighting these groups that de – ceive our youth.”
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43 The İmralı Post #23 Number of detentions in Amed rises
ANF | Amed | 14 October 2022
The number of detentions in the northern Kurdish metropolis of Amed (tr. Diyarbakır) has risen to eight. Raids by anti-terrorist police units in various districts of the city continue. A total of 30 people are wanted.
In the meantime, the background has also become clear. In the run-up to a visit by Turkish regime leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Amed on Saturday as part of a festival, the chief public prosecutor’s office in Di- yarbakır ordered a wave of purges within Kurdish civil society. Officially, the arrest action is justified by an “anonymous tip about planned criminal offences”. The investigation file was classified and lawyers are banned access.
Most of those detained so far are activists from Kurdish civil society. Among them is the artist Sarya Ertaş, who is known for her contemporary songs in Kurdish and works for the Ma Music Center. Likewise, Zilan Dağ, newspaper editor of the pro-Kurdish Yeni Yaşam, was taken into custody.
The Turkish repressive authorities are apparently afraid of protests against Erdoğan’s visit. Public anger is also directed these days against a festival organised by the Turkish Cultural Centre in the old district of Sur, which is supposed to “crown” the city’s cultural heritage. This is hardly to be surpassed in mockery and cynicism.
Sur has a five-thousand-year history and was a historical centre of different cultures until the winter of 2015/2016. In the course of a military siege, it was first bombed to rubble by the Turkish army before resi – dential areas were expropriated and the population displaced. The destruction continues to this day.
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Turkish mine explosion kills at least 28, dozens still trapped
ANF | 15 October 2022
At least 28 people died in a mining accident in Turkey on Friday. Many more people were injured after the coal mine in the northeastern town of Amasra (Bartin province) partially collapsed after an explosion just before sunset, Turkey’s Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said. Dozens of workers are still trapped under- ground.
Rescue workers tried to get to dozens of miners who had been trapped by the explosion on Friday evening. According to local mayor Recai Çakır, some 110 people were trapped in the mine, property of the state- owned Turkish Hard Coal Enterprises. Most of them were trapped 300 meters underground, while at least five miners were trapped elsewhere at 350 meters. According to the authorities, dozens of rescue workers penetrated 250 meters deep into the pit. However, the rescue was complicated because of the darkness.
44 The İmralı Post #23
There was conflicting information about the cause of the accident. The civil protection agency Afad said on Twitter that the explosion was apparently due to a defective power converter. The post has since been deleted. A build-up of methane gas was responsible for the explosion, according to the miners’ union. Lo- cal prosecutors said the incident was being treated as an accident and launched an official investigation.
A long list of mining accidents
Mining accidents happen again and again in Turkey, often due to inadequate safety precautions. The most serious accident in Turkey’s history so far occurred in May 2014. At that time, 301 miners died in the mine in Soma in the west of the country. The tragedy sparked protests against the government of then Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
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UN urges Turkey to ensure full respect for freedom of
expression guaranteed under international law
ANF | 15 October 202
The UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Marta Hurtado commented on a sweeping law that intro- duces prison sentences of up to three years for “disseminating misleading information”, which was passed by the Turkish Parliament this week.
Dubbed as the “censorship law” by the opposition and journalism groups, the law will affect not only news reporting but also social media users. Anonymous social media users may face sentences increased by half.
The most controversial article of the law says those who “publicly disseminate false information about the country’s internal and external security, public order and general health, in a way that is suitable for dis- rupting public peace, with the aim of creating anxiety, fear or panic among the public” will face a prison term of one to three years.
Marta Hurtado said they were “concerned by the adoption on Thursday in Turkey’s Parliament of a pack- age of amendments to various laws that risk substantially curtailing freedom of expression in the country.”
“One of these amendments is a revision of the criminal code that provides for sentences of up to three years in prison “for publicly disseminating false information”. Under international human rights law, free- dom of expression is not limited to “truthful” information, but applies to “information and ideas of all kinds”, both online and offline. Restrictions to freedom of expression shall only be envisaged on legitimate and necessary grounds,” Hurtado noted.
According to Hurtado, “These amendments leave significant room for arbitrary, subjective interpretation and abuse. In an already very restrictive context, they risk further limiting people’s rights to seek, receive
45 The İmralı Post #23
and impart information as guaranteed by article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) to which Turkey is party. The recent amendments also risk opening new avenues for re – pression of permissible speech under international law, including the critical work of journalists and hu- man rights defenders and incentivizing self-censorship.”
“We regret that these laws have been drafted and adopted without meaningful consultation with civil soci- ety and media representatives. Legal and regulatory frameworks of such wide potential scope and impact on society as a whole should only be adopted following thorough deliberations and broad public debate.”
The UN Human Rights Office spokesperson added, “Freedom of expression and access to information are necessary for people’s effective participation in public and political life and essential in any democracy. We call on Turkey to ensure full respect for freedom of expression guaranteed under international law.”
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YPG/YPJ flags not forbidden in Germany, says lawyer
ANF | Berlin | 16 October 2022
Despite various court rulings to the contrary, the police in Germany insist on criminalizing symbols of the Kurdish liberation movement. For example, some cities repeatedly claim that YPG and YPJ flags are banned during demonstrations. This is happening, for example, in the capital Berlin, among other places.
Most recently, the police wanted to limit the number of YPG/YPJ flags at a protest against the Turkish at- tacks on Rojava on 10 September.
In Berlin, the PYD, the Dest-Dan women’s council, the Nav-Berlin association and the Fed-Kurd Federa- tion asked permission for a demonstration against the attacks on Rojava and the murder of minors by killer drones. Although no conditions were mentioned in the permit confirmation, the police commander at Hermannplatz said that only one YPG and YPJ flag may be carried for every fifty participants. In protest against the restriction of their right to assembly, the organizers held a rally instead.
Lukas Theune is one of the lawyers who applied to the Federal Ministry of the Interior in May for the ban on the PKK to be lifted in Germany. As Theune explained to ANF, the Berlin police have ignored court rulings on the subject in previous cases. YPG and YPJ flags are not prohibited in Germany. The meeting authority in Berlin also knew that. In a trial before the Berlin administrative court in 2018, the police had already promised not to take action against YPG/YPJ symbols. The judgment was made on 7 May 2018, similar judgments were made in Munich, Aachen, Frankfurt, Sigmaringen, Gelsenkirchen and Magde- burg. Numerous criminal proceedings against demonstrators were dropped one after the other.
When the Federal Ministry of the Interior ordered the expansion of the list of banned symbols of the Kur – dish liberation movement on 2 March 2017, the Federal Government at the time declared that YPG and YPJ flags were not affected.
46 The İmralı Post #23 When asked by the Left Party, the government response of 21 April 2017 stated that the YPG and YPJ
posed no threat to Germany’s security.
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UN calls for investigation on refugees found naked on Turkey-
Greece border
ANF | 17 October 2022
The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has condemned the “hu- miliating treatment” of refugees on the Greece-Turkey border.
“The UNHCR is deeply stressed by the shocking reports from and images of 92 persons whose clothes have been taken off, stated to be found on the Greece-Turkey border,” the commissioner’s office wrote on Twitter.
“We condemn such cruel and degrading treatment and call for a full investigation into this incident.”
BBC Turkish service reported that the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, announced that most of the 92 were men coming from Afghanistan or Syria. It is not yet clear why the migrants did not have their clothes on.
Greece and Turkey have put the blame on each other regarding the incident.
According to Euronews, the authorities in Greece said that some of these refugees who entered Greece passed through the Maritza river, which makes up the border between the two countries.
Takis Theodorikakos, the Minister for the Protection of Citizens in Greece said in his statement on the in – cident, “They are brought to the border with the military vehicles of Turkey. Turkey is using illegal migra- tion as an instrument.”
The Ministry of Migration and Asylum of Greece said on October 16 that “The provocative actions of Turkey have exceeded all limits.”
Türkiye’s Communications Director, Fahrettin Altun, responded to the allegations on his social media ac- counts. Altun invited Greece to “give up its degrading attitude towards migrants at once, to stop the un – grounded and false accusations towards Turkey and to act as a serious state.”
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47 The İmralı Post #23 Number of people killed in Iran rises to 215
ANF | 18 October 2022
The number of people killed in the current nationwide protests has increased to at least 215 people, in- cluding 27 children. Violent attacks and crackdowns against school children have caused public outrage in many cities.
Condemning the violent crackdown against children and prisoners, Iran Human Rights once again reiter- ates the urgent need for the formation of an independent mechanism under the supervision of the United Nations to hold the perpetrators accountable.
On the evening of October 17, Evin Prison in Tehran was the site of a fire and riots in which according to official media, eight were killed and dozens injured. Many political prisoners were badly beaten and trans – ferred to Rajai Shahr Prison (Gohardasht) that night or the next day.
By publishing false narratives and distorting facts, official media have sought to portray the unrest as clashes between non-political prisoners and unrelated to the protests. The number of those killed in Evin Prison is probably higher than the official count.
On October 9, riots were also reported at Rasht Central Prison (Lakan). According to unverified reports, at least six prisoners were killed by prison guards. Iran Human Rights has been unable to verify the num- ber or identities of those killed at either prison and as such, has not included them in the aforementioned death toll. It is crucial to note that the current number is a “minimum” and only includes those verified by Iran Human Rights researchers. The actual number of those killed is certainly higher, which the organisa- tion continues to investigate.
According to information obtained by Iran Human Rights, at least 215 people have been killed by security forces in the nationwide protests so far. Of those, 27 were under 18 years of age but have not all been veri- fied through document evidence. Iran Human Rights is working to obtain confirmation of their ages.
Protesters have been killed in 19 provinces, with the most reported in Sistan and Baluchistan, Mazan- daran, Gilan, Kurdistan and Tehran. The highest number of deaths were recorded on 21, 22 and 30 Sep- tember.
Deaths have been recorded in 19 provinces: Sistan and Baluchistan: 93 people; Mazandaran: 28 peo- ple; Kurdistan: 16 people; Tehran: 15 people; Gilan: 14 people; Western Azerbaijan: 13 people; Kerman- shah: 10 people; Alborz: 6 people; Khorasan-Razavi: 4 people; Isfahan: 3 people; Kohgiluyeh and Boyer Ahmad: 2 people; Zanjan: 2 people; Qazvin: 2 people; East Azerbaijan: 2 people; Semnan: 1 person; Ilam: 1 person; Bushehr: 1 person; Khuzestan: 1 person; Ardabil: 1 person.
Iran Human Rights has further received numerous reports of the mass arrests of protesters and civil society activists who have been identified by intelligence agencies. The use of torture and ill-treatment against pro- testers has been widely reported, with at least two deaths in custody. Families have told Iran Human Rights that their loved ones are under pressure to force televised confessions.
48 The İmralı Post #23
On September 30, people gathered after Friday prayer in Zahedan to protest against the rape of a Baluch 15-year-old girl by Chabahar’s police chief which was bloodily suppressed by security forces. It has since been named “Zahedan’s Bloody Friday.” The number of those killed has been reported as at least 93 by the Baluch Activists Campaign. Some of those have died of injuries since the bloody crackdown.
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Interview
Cemil Bayık to conspiracy forces: Give up this policy
ANF | Behdinan | 11 October 2022
Cemil Bayık said that the conspiracy launched on 9 October 1998 was developed against all peoples and humanity, and called on those still involved to give up their policies against the PKK.
24 years ago, a conspiracy was organized against the Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan by interna- tional powers and regional collaborators. How would you describe the purpose of this conspiracy?
It is well known that shortly after the beginning of the International Conspiracy, protests under the slogan ‘You cannot darken our sun’ were led by Halit Oral. The aim of these protests was to create a circle around Rêber Apo and to thus defeat the conspiracy. These protests had a great impact. Many people later partici- pated in them. By remembering our friend Halit Oral, I would like to take this opportunity to respectfully commemorate all our martyrs who stood against the conspiracy and defended the Leadership [Abdullah Öcalan]. All of these martyrs are still alive in the hearts of the Kurdish people. We have reached this stage today thanks to these heroic martyrs. Because they created values for us and showed us how we need to struggle. The International Conspiracy was developed against our movement and our people in the form of the attack on Rêber Apo [Abdullah Öcalan], but it was not simply limited to this.
This conspiracy was developed against all peoples and humanity. It is a huge conspiracy. I would like to once more condemn all the powers who carried out this conspiracy. Everyone who promoted the conspir- acy, who served it, who took part in it and who led it, should be honest to themselves: They need to see what they have done, which goals they have served. They should no longer insist on the conspiracy and rather acknowledge their mistakes. In fact, they have committed a great crime, not only a simple mistake. They need to give up their policy against the PKK and the Kurdish people. Rêber Apo has always wanted to solve the Kurdish question. Solving it means solving the problems of the peoples of the Middle East. Rêber Apo has dedicated his whole life to this. That is what he has struggled for. He has always wanted to solve this problem through dialog.
Europe created the Kurdish problem. That is why this problem needs to be solved together with Europe. Europe created the Kurdish problem and passed it on to the Turkish state. They told the Turkish state to carry out this politics and the state is still doing exactly this. Rêber Apo’s aim has always been to solve the
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Kurdish question. He wants to create a change in the current mentality and conscience. He wants to de- velop a revolution of democracy and freedom. To fulfill this aim, he has always tried to solve the problem with whoever created it. That is, with Europe. Yet, every time Rêber Apo wanted to solve the problem with Europe, Europe’s response was: ‘You cannot solve this problem. We won’t solve this problem either. This does not serve our interests. Our interests are not in favor of solving the Kurdish problem.’ In other words, they want a constant war between Kurds and Turks. Because they have developed their system in the Mid – dle East on this basis.
When Rêber Apo went to Europe and presented his 8-point-plan to solve this problem, the forces there should have welcomed his efforts. Rêber Apo has put his life on the line for this cause. He said, “I want to solve this problem,” but the answer of the international powers was the conspiracy. Because if the Kurdish problem was solved, a democratic system would develop in the Middle East and this would lead to a change in the whole world. That is why those who created the Kurdish problem continued to aggravate it. Rêber Apo had fulfilled all the conditions for the solution of the problem but they responded with a con- spiracy and built the İmrali system. The International Conspiracy was led by the US, England and Israel, but it was Europe that planned and promoted it. Rêber Apo later said that when he was captured and taken to İmrali, the first person he spoke to there was a representative of the CPT (European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment). Back then, the CPT clearly said that they had created the Imrali system and that they would keep track of it. Therefore, not only Turkey but also Europe is responsible for İmrali.
Rêber Apo has said that Turkey is just the guardian. Just as the Turkish state today gives the Barzanis a task which they then fulfill, the conspiratorial forces have given this task to the Turkish state and the Turkish state is fulfilling its duty. The AKP-MHP is deceiving the people of Turkey when it spreads the lie of “We are nationalist and against the US and Europe”. The AKP-MHP came to power with the support of these powers. Because those who established the conspiracy and the İmrali system wanted a Kurdish war. They wanted to achieve this goal with the help of the AKP-MHP government. That is why they brought the AKP-MHP to power.
Never before has such a huge conspiracy ever been carried out against any person, people or movement. Rêber Apo is not an ordinary leader. He is not like other leaders. The bigger a leader and the bigger a movement, the bigger the conspiracy against them. This is the reason why the international powers are in- volved in the conspiracy. Because they saw that Rêber Apo wanted to solve the Kurdish question. Solving the Kurdish question meant solving the problems of the peoples struggling for freedom and democracy in the Middle East. The forces involved in the conspiracy saw that this constituted a great danger to them. That is why they wanted the Kurdish question to remain unresolved and the brotherhood of the peoples in the Middle East not to develop. They wanted the contradictions they created in Kurdistan, Turkey and the Middle East to continue.
This was the purpose of the conspiracy. That is why they wanted to neutralize the movement that Rêber Apo had built for humanity and for the cause of human values. The goal of the conspiracy was the com- plete annihilation of Rêber Apo. First physically, then politically, they wanted to destroy Rêber Apo. That is why isolation is getting more and more severe every day. That is why the CPT, the US and Europe are all silent. Their aim is to destroy Rêber Apo. They think that when they destroy him, they will also crush the movement. Because Rêber Apo and the PKK are preventing genocide against the Kurdish people. Rêber Apo has stood strong against the conspiracy and has thus defeated it. By creating his paradigm, he
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has given humanity a great weapon to defeat the conspiracy as well. He has given everyone a clear answer to the question of what kind of philosophy and ideology those who oppose the conspiracy, slavery and power and fight for freedom and democracy need in order to achieve their goals. Today, those who defend Rêber Apo have realized that the conspiracy is not only directed against Rêber Apo and the Kurds, but also against humanity as a whole. That is why they are defending Rêber Apo and the PKK.
The struggle against the conspiracy is growing stronger every day. This is important for everyone to under – stand. The conspiratorial forces should not insist on their politics but need to redeem themselves instead. They cannot do politics without the Kurdish people and the PKK. If they want to do politics, if they want to be friends with the Kurdish people, they need to give up their politics against the PKK and Rêber Apo. The PKK, the Kurdish people and the international friends of the Kurds also have duties to fulfill. We must understand why the conspiracy was started and what the conspiratorial forces have benefited from since then. We also need to understand our shortcomings and mistakes in this respect and then correct them. Our people need to know very well that as long as the Kurdish problem is not solved, the conspir- acy will continue. Our movement started the campaign “Dem dema azadiyê ye” [‘The Time for Freedom is Now’]. If we want to bring an end to the International Conspiracy, we must strengthen this campaign even more. Thus, we can ensure the physical freedom of Rêber Apo.
The CPT went to İmralı at the end of September. After their visit, they announced that they would submit a report to Turkey in 6 months and then give Turkey another 6 months to respond. How do you evaluate this development?
Our people need to understand well why the CPT recently went to İmrali. They did so because the CPT had said that the Turkish state needs to publish its plan [regarding the isolation of Abdullah Öcalan] by the end of September. Now, September is over, but the Turkish state has still not presented any plan. In re- sponse to this, the international protests for the freedom of Rêber Apo have increased. The people have de- manded that Europe fulfill its laws. They have demanded that Rêber Apo be released from prison and see him. Thus, great pressure has been created. Although the deadline given to the Turkish state had expired, Turkey did not publish its plan and thus did not fulfill European laws. That is why the CPT had to go to Imrali. If they had not gone, their crimes against Rêber Apo, the Kurdish people and humanity would have become even clearer. So they went to free themselves of this burden. Neither Turkey, nor Europe up – hold their own laws. There is no law and justice, only a total war.
Not only Turkey, but also Europe is guilty of the politics against Rêber Apo. Because they are the ones who created the Imrali system. Our people and international friends need to know well that the existing laws are not applied to the Kurds. The laws only exist to eliminate everything with the name Kurdistan or Kurdish. And they even see this as the right thing to do. They consider it their right to do all this. The only thing that will bring Rêber Apo out of prison is our struggle. Whatever Kurds have won so far, they have won through their struggle. Whatever they will gain from now on, they will also gain through con- tinuing this struggle. All other ways are closed to the Kurds. Therefore, Kurds should not deceive them- selves.
Kurds should not say “there are laws, democracy, human rights and they apply to us too”. These laws are not for the Kurds but for the current powers. Therefore, Kurds are no longer obliged to act according to the laws of these powers. They should not expect anything from these powers. If there was law and justice, would these powers deal with Rêber Apo like this? The CPT says it will release a report in 6 months and
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will then give Turkey 6 more months to respond. So all this will take another year. They are simply trying to make fun of everybody. The Kurdish people should not accept this. The CPT needs to immediately share the results of its latest visit to Imrali with the public. Our people, the lawyers, artists, writers, artists and writers need to demand this. Pressure needs to be put on the CPT.
The guerrilla fighters Sara Tolhildan and Rûken Zelal recently carried out a very effective attack in Mersin against the ongoing attacks on the Kurdish people and the PKK. This attack has led to different debates. How do you evaluate the impact of this attack and the discussions that evolved afterwards?
The attack carried out by our friends Sara and Rûken was very big and successful. Maybe some people are trying to make this attack look simple and meaningless. But all these attempts are useless. No one can hide this attack, nor make it look meaningless or distort it. The Turkish state is doing everything it can against our movement and our people. There is nothing it has not done. All this is happening in front of every- one’s eyes. All the things they are doing for our people in North Kurdistan, in the prisons and in Rojava. They are using all kinds of weapons against the guerrillas: drones, helicopters and tanks. They use all these weapons without any interruption. They are also using banned weapons such as chemical weapons, tactical nuclear bombs, thermobaric bombs and all kinds of gases.
Corpses regularly come out of the prisons [in North Kurdistan and Turkey]. Prisoners are regularly exe- cuted there. The Turkish state deceives people with claims like “he was sick and died” or “he fell and died”. They have put all the Kurdish people in a huge prison and eliminated everything with the name Kurdistan or Kurdish. On this basis, they attack not only the people, but also nature and animals. In other words, the Turkish state wants to destroy everything in Kurdistan. They have left no trees in the Botan region [in North Kurdistan]. This is not simply about cutting down trees and making money by selling them. They are waging a war of extermination. The reason they cut down trees in [the North Kurdish regions] Botan and Dersim is the politics of genocide. This policy eliminates the possibility of life for the Kurdish people. No one in the world has ever carried out such a policy against any people. The Turkish state commits mas- sacres every day in Rojava. They have occupied many places and changed the demography there. There is not a single day that the Turkish state does not massacre people.
The Turkish state assassinates people every day in South Kurdistan, Şengal [Sinjar], Maxmur, Sulay- maniyah and in the South Kurdish Media Defense Zones. In other words, they are pursuing a policy of genocide against the Kurdish people. If you carry out this policy against the Kurdish people, they have the right to defend themselves. This is a principle that is also accepted internationally. Does anybody really think that the Kurdish people will just accept their annihilation? This is impossible. This is an immoral and inhuman policy. The Kurdish people will, of course, defend themselves against all these attacks. This is their right. Sara and Rûken carried out the recent attack in Mersin for exactly this reason. So why don’t those who criticize this attack, those who want to simplify, negate and distort it, why don’t they oppose the Turkish state’s policy against the Kurdish people, against the guerrillas and the use of chemical weapons against them? Why don’t they say to the Turkish state, to the AKP-MHP government, “The poli – tics you are conducting is criminal. You are committing a crime and you are trying to eliminate an en- tire people?” There is a popular saying: ‘You reap what you sow’.
What is the Turkish state doing in Kurdistan? War, massacre, torture, violence, forced migration and exter- mination. This is the kind of policy that they are conducting against the entire Kurdish society. This is this policy against women, men, young, old people, children and even the nature of Kurdistan. Of course,
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there will be a price the Turkish state will have to pay for doing all this. If you make the Kurds pay this kind of price, won’t the Kurds make you pay a price in return? Of course they will. This is the Kurds’ right. Those who say that there should be no war and no violence should first demand that the Turkish state stop all this. The Turkish state wants to eliminate the Kurds. The Kurds do not want to eliminate the Turkish state or the Turkish people. Some people claim that the Kurds are splitting up Turkey and that they are committing treason. But those who claim this are actually the ones who are tearing Turkey apart and are thus betraying it. When the Republic of Turkey was newly established, there were certain speeches held by Mustafa Kemal and writings of him with regards to this issue. Back then, there were Kurds in the Turkish parliament. Mustafa Kemal even accepted autonomy. So the Turkish state is the one who betrayed the Kurds. The Kurds have not betrayed anybody.
The Kurds demand their rights. Those in power in the Turkish state are the ones who have torn Turkey and Turkish society apart. The Kurds are waging a just and legitimate struggle. Now, Sara and Rûken have carried out a huge attack on Mersin. Everyone needs to think carefully about this, draw conclusions for themselves and approach this issue correctly. Why was this attack carried out? What was the reason for it? What is the Turkish state doing to the Kurds? What is it doing to the guerrillas that these two Kurdish women decided to organize such an attack? With this attack, they took a clear stance against the oppres- sion of the Turkish state. This is in line with the strategy of self-defense. No one has the right to say any- thing against this strategy. Everyone needs to approach this issue correctly and speak appropriately. Any discussions other than those that are about the consequences of this attack for the Kurdish people and the peoples of Turkey are simply empty talk. Taking a stance against this strategy and this attack constitutes nothing else but a lack of faith and conscience.
After the murder of the Kurdish woman Jîna Emînî in Iran, an uprising led by women started. This upris- ing has been going on for weeks now. According to some sources, more than 200 people have been killed. As the Co-Presidency of the KCK Executive Council, you made a statement criticizing the Iranian state. What would you like to say about the uprising and the response of the Iranian state?
A Kurdish woman was tortured to death, which has now led to an uprising. Who martyred that Kurdish woman? The Iranian state. The people were not willing to accept what the Iranian state did. There had al- ready been too much pressure and too many problems in the country. So, when a Kurdish woman was martyred due to torture, the people started to rise up. First, the women rose up, but as the days went by, in many provinces, the people started to rise up together with the women. Now this revolt has grown even bigger. The demands of the people are just and democratic. The Iranian state should listen to women and society in general. It needs to establish a dialog with them, discuss their problems and demands and find solutions. But what is the Iranian state actually doing? Instead of listening to the legitimate and demo- cratic demands, approaching them seriously and solving the problems, it reacts with violence against the people. In other words, it wants to eliminate these demands with violence. This only leads to more deaths and a deepening of the existing problems. The Iranian state needs to realize that the methods it uses only aggravate the existing problems instead of solving them. This even poses a danger for the state itself.
The Iranian state needs to realize this. Its current attitude does not solve the existing problems. They need to be solved through dialogue. Instead of acting accordingly, they say, “America and Israel are carrying out these actions to destroy Iran.” How realistic is this? Some people may believe this, but society does not. America and Israel did not kill Jîna. An institution of the Iranian state did. This Kurdish woman was mur – dered in their custody. If they say that foreign powers are involved in these uprisings, this is not true. You
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yourself prepared the basis for this uprising. Do foreign powers have plans with regard to Iran? Of course they do. They may also want to benefit from these developments. But the Iranian state provides this basis and these forces simply make use of it.
If you don’t want foreign countries to interfere in your internal affairs and create problems, then you need to solve your internal problems. Then foreign powers will not be able to create chaos. So the problem does not lie outside of Iran but inside the country. That’s why this has to be solved internally. Therefore, those speeches [by Iranian state representatives] don’t have much effect on the people. Kurdish and Iranian women are fighting for democracy and freedom. These women were also the ones who overthrew the Shah [in 1979]. In other words, those who stood against the Shah together with the women are now standing against them. They need to acknowledge this reality. A great democratic revolution took place [in 1979]. If it had continued, Iran would have become a democratic country where everyone can express themselves. It would have become an example for the Middle East. Iranian history also provides the ground for this. But they did not take history and revolution as a basis. On the contrary, they themselves have turned into a power. That is why they are now in a conflict with the women with whom they overthrew the Shah. They themselves are responsible for this, not foreign powers. Their politics are the reason for this.
Women are claiming their freedom. This means claiming the freedom of the people. Rêber Apo has also said that the 21st century will be the century of the women’s revolution. Recent events clearly show this. Since the start of the uprising of women in Iran, women around the world have also become active. Every- one has recognized the important role of women. The Iranian state holds the Kurds responsible for this uprising. That’s why they attack Kurds and Kurdish institutions. There have been martyrs recently. On this occasion, I would like to respectfully commemorate the martyrs. I would also like to offer my condolences to the Kurdish people, Kurdish parties and institutions. The Turkish state and the Iranian state should not make these mistakes. They should not use violence against the Kurdish people. Instead, they should solve the Kurdish question through dialog. Violence will not solve the Kurdish question, but only deepen it. The deeper the Kurdish question gets in Iran, the bigger the problems in Iran will get. They need to focus on solving the problems through dialogue before they become even deeper.
Murders and assassinations are taking place not only in one part of Kurdistan, but in all four parts. Most recently in Sulaymaniyah, our journalist friend and academic Nagihan Akarsel, a member of the Jineolojî Research Center, was martyred. There have been similar assassinations in Sulaymaniyah before and all of them were said to have been carried out by allegedly ‘unknown assailants’. What is your take on these assas- sinations and the recent murder of Nagihan Akarsel?
Our friend Nagihan has done great work and great service for both women and the Kurdish people as a whole. She dedicated her entire life to the service of the women’s movement and the people of Kurdistan. She did this not only for North Kurdistan, but for all Kurdish women and for all women of the world. Her work was a great service for the Kurdish people and humanity. On this occasion, I would like to re- spectfully commemorate our friend Nagihan. We will never allow her efforts to go in vain. Instead, we will realize her dreams and goals under all circumstances and conditions.
They consciously targeted our friend Nagihan. Because she was doing important work for the Kurdish people, women and humanity. She was a member of the Jineolojî Research Center and was also the editor of the Jineolojî journal. The Turkish state is an enemy of women, Kurds, humanity and of human values. Who does the AKP-MHP government target? It targets women, the Kurdish people and those who do the
54 The İmralı Post #23 most for humanity. It does not just target anyone, but especially those who do the greatest service. This
clearly shows the true face of this regime.
Jineolojî – which our friend Nagihan served and worked for – is the work of Rêber Apo. He opened this field in order to serve the Kurdish women and humanity. Our friend Nagihan supported this work, that is, she supported Rêbêr Apo. She supported his philosophy and paradigm. She wanted to realize this philoso – phy and paradigm in practice, develop a new mentality and spread it all over the world to bring about a new conscience. Targeting Nagihan means targeting all women. For this reason, both Kurdish women and those who predicate themselves on the struggle for freedom and democracy need to show their support for Nagihan. How will her dreams and goals be realized? How can she be revenged? By deepening your under- standing of Jineolojî and of the line developed by Rêber Apo for women. This is how we can take revenge for her an keep our friend Nagihan alive.
So why have all these murders taken place in Sulaymaniyah and in the Soran area? Especially the people of Soran need to understand what these murders are aimed at. The Soran area, which is known as a place of intellectuals, artists, writers and academics, needs to understand this situation and what these murders are aimed at. By creating a climate of fear, they want to silence and subjugate everyone and turn them into their slaves. Because there is a special characteristic of our people in the Soran area, and that is this: They do not accept oppression, power and slavery, and their sense of freedom is strong. Therefore, they always stand by the freedom movements. The Turkish state and its collaborators, the KDP and certain Turkmens who act together with the Turkish state know this.
Just as Rêber Apo and the PKK are an engine that carries the Kurdish people forward, the Soran area and its intellectuals are an engine for South Kurdistan. They are the ones who provide enlightenment for South Kurdistan. The Turkish state and the Barzanis do not want this enlightenment in Soran to spread to the Behdinan area. Therefore, they are trying to stop it. This is the reason for the attacks in Sulaymaniyah and the Soran area. Our people, intellectuals and politicians need to be aware of this situation. What is re- quired of them is to take a firm stance against these assassinations. They need to stand up against the Turk – ish state, the Barzanis and certain Turkmens, not just by making statements. They need to tell them “we will not allow you to commit these evil deeds in our region”. They need to both stand up for the martyrs and for themselves based on this kind of attitude. If they do not harbor the traitors among themselves, if they confront them and expel them from their region, and if they take revenge on them, the Turkish state, the Barzanis and certain Turkmens will not be able to oppress the people in this area in such a way, and they will not be able to take over this area by scaring the people.
The people of Soran, their intellectuals, artists, and especially their women need to protect their history. Throughout history, the Soran area has stood against oppression and supported freedom. Today, the en- emy attacks the PKK, because the PKK represents the feelings of the Kurdish people. They attack the PKK because it prevents the Turkish state and the Barzanis from realizing their goals. They need to recognize this and act accordingly. If they do so, neither the Turkish state, Parastin [KDP intelligence] nor certain Turkmens will be able to commit these evil deeds. Everybody knows that our friend Nagihan made great efforts for the people of Soran. How will they pay back their debts to the PKK? They can do so by stand – ing up for our friend Nagihan and by taking a stance on the Turkish state.
55 The İmralı Post #23 A major reason for such attacks against civilians is the Turkish state’s defeat due to the resistance of the
guerrillas. What is the latest situation regarding the war against Turkish fascism?
The genocidal Turkish state does not distinguish between guerrilla fighters and civilians. For them, a Kurd is a Kurd. There are well known sayings like “There is no difference between black and white Kurds” or “The best Kurd is a dead Kurd”. This is the Turkish state’s approach to the Kurds. For them, there is no difference between a guerrilla fighter and other Kurds. The Turkish state claims “We only have a problem with the PKK, not with the Kurds” and the Barzanis also say “The PKK is the reason for the attacks of the Turkish state. If there was no PKK, the Turkish state would not attack [South Kurdistan]”. The Turkish state and the Barzanis are saying this for a reason. They want to say that nobody should support the PKK or take part in this struggle. They are telling everybody to stay outside of this struggle in order for the Turkish state and the Barzanis to be able to destroy the PKK and complete the Kurdish genocide. Their practice shows this very clearly: They don’t only attack the guerrillas but everything Kurdish in South Kur- distan, Rojava and North Kurdistan. We have all heard of the bulls in Spain that attack as soon as they see red. The AKP-MHP government and the Turkish state have a similar attitude and attack wherever they see anything Kurdish. They do not want anything with the name of Kurdistan or Kurdish to remain in the world. And they talk about this openly. Rêber Apo and the PKK are taking a heroic stance against this pol- itics. Because they stand against those who target the Kurdish identity and prevent the completion of the Kurdish genocide. This not only prevents genocide, but saves the Kurds from it, gives them an identity and dignity and has thus led to a lot of respect for Kurds around the world. This has brought the struggle of the Kurdish people to such a high level. Because of this, more and more people in the world want to understand the Kurdish people and the reality of the PKK in order to better understand the paradigm and philosophy behind this struggle. All these people around the world also think they can solve their own problems in this way.
The guerrillas are under all kinds of attacks. The Turkish state is trying to achieve results with its uninter – rupted attacks against the guerrillas carried out with war planes, helicopters, tanks, artillery, various bombs including banned chemical weapons, tactical nuclear and thermobaric bombs. They do this because the 100th anniversary of the Treaty of Lausanne and the establishment of the Republic of Turkey is approach – ing. They want to achieve results before this date. Therefore, they have mobilized all the means that they have at their disposal. The guerrillas are acting heroically against this technology and all these weapons. Sometimes the guerrilla fighters cannot eat and remain hungry for days because they are under constant attack. Still, the guerrilla fighters do not allow the Turkish state to carry out its occupation plans and strike blows every day. Thus, they show great heroism not only for themselves and the Kurdish people, but for all humanity. Therefore, the martyrs of the guerrillas are the martyrs of all humanity, not only of the Kurdish people.
The Turkish state is suffering heavy blows every single day. It now attacks more and more because it has not been able to achieve its goals. Since it cannot succeed despite all the means at its disposal, it makes use of the Barzanis. NATO has already supported the Turkish state greatly. Turkey is waging this war with all the extensive means provided to it by NATO. But this is not enough. Therefore, the Turkish state also needs to involve certain groups who call themselves Kurds. Just as the state used the village guards in North Kurdistan, it is now using the Barzanis in South Kurdistan. The Barzanis are the village guards of the South. They want to destroy the PKK with the help of the Turkish state. And the Turkish state wants to do the same with the support of the Barzanis. Today, they have joined hands and are waging a joint war against the PKK. Every day the role played by the KDP is becoming more obvious. Maybe the KDP can-
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not openly say to the Kurdish people, “We are at war with the Turkish state against the PKK”, so they are waging this war covertly. But they can no longer hide this. They have ambushed and martyred many guer – rilla fighters. They annihilated three groups of guerrilla fighters in [the South Kurdish area of] Xelîfan. And they also built a road for the Turkish army on the Amediyê Hill. They also built a military station be – tween our forces and the Turkish army. When they built these roads and the outpost, Turkish reconnais – sance planes and drones were constantly flying overhead to prevent our forces from doing anything and to thus protect the KDP forces. The KDP and Barzanis are in these areas to protect the Turkish forces there. Because the Turkish state is in a difficult situation. They got stuck and suffered heavy blows in the area. Therefore, the KDP and the Barzanis have come to their aid and rescue. They set up ambushes, cut off supplies for our friends, prevent the transportation of equipment between the areas, bring supplies to the Turkish state and remove their dead and wounded. They push into areas where the Turkish state cannot enter. They can no longer hide the reality that they are taking part in this war in every way possible. We have warned them dozens of times not to help the Turkish state. Ok, you might not help us. We are not asking for that kind of help. But then don’t help the Turkish state either. What you are doing has nothing to do with being Kurdish. This does not serve the Kurdish cause in any way.
Now the war has entered a new phase. The Turkish state wants to achieve results quickly. Therefore, it has mobilized all its resources in order to break the will of the guerrillas and thus also crush the will of our people. In addition, the Barzanis, with whom the Turkish state used to fight together secretly, are now working together openly with the Turkish state. Therefore, the phase we are currently going through is not like previous phases. Things have become more violent and have reached a dangerous level. It is important for our people to recognize this. This is why everyone needs to predicate themselves on the spirit of Rêber Apo’s resistance in İmrali, the spirit of the guerrilla resistance in Zap, Metîna and Avaşîn and the spirit of our friends Sara and Rûken who literally caused an earthquake in Turkey by striking a great blow to the enemy in Mersin. Thus, they have shown us that we can defeat the enemy, that we can fight and which method of struggle we can use to protect ourselves and avoid annihilation. No matter where you are, ev- eryone needs to fulfill their duties and responsibilities based on this spirit.
The guerrilla is fulfilling its duties in its own way, but this does not mean that the danger has disappeared. Currently, all the burden lies on the guerrilla’s shoulders. All of us need to lift this burden from the shoul- ders of the guerrillas. Our friends Sara and Rûken have put this task in front of everyone and have thus also given a clear warning by saying, “The enemy wants to eliminate us. So this is the way we need to pro – tect ourselves. There is no other way”. On this basis, everyone needs to fulfill their duties wherever they live. We have reached the point of overthrowing the AKP-MHP government. This allows us to strike even bigger blows, which is exactly our goal. We have paid a great price and have experienced a lot of pain. We have brought this struggle to the final stage and now it is time for us to achieve our desired results.
I would like to salute all the heroic guerrilla fighters in the tunnels and outside who are waging an un- precedented struggle under the most difficult conditions against the colonialists. I would like to send my respectful greetings to them. I would also like to remember all the martyrs with gratitude and send my condolences to all our people. Indeed, each of these martyrs are great martyrs of humanity. This is what is asked of everyone now: How can these martyrs be kept alive in a glorious way? These martyrs will be kept alive when everybody fulfills their duties with regards to Rêber Apo and the cause of freedom. To keep the martyrs alive gloriously means to live a glorious life yourself.
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Although you mentioned it in your evaluations, we would like to ask you again, because recently another group of guerrillas was ambushed in the South Kurdish Balisan valley: Why does the KDP still insist on its attitude despite your many calls and the protests of the Kurdish people?
It would be wrong to talk about the KDP here, because a significant number of KDP members are un- comfortable with this situation and are not involved in this politics. The Barzanis have established their own hegemony and have created a climate of fear. That’s why the KDP members who are not comfortable with the current policy currently don’t speak out that much. But that doesn’t mean that they accept this politics. Because not everyone knows that the current politics against the PKK and the Kurdish people does not serve the Kurds. This policy has nothing to do with being Kurdish and with patriotism. That is why we should not talk about the KDP here. Because it is the Barzanis who are doing this. They are pur – suing this policy for their own family interests. They associate their interests with the Turkish state, not with the Kurdish people. They have come to think that the more they help the Turkish state, the more the PKK will suffer blows which will then leave Kurdistan only to them. They see that the Turkish state is try- ing to destroy the PKK, so they say, “If we stand against the PKK, the PKK will be destroyed and Kurdis – tan will be left only to us”.
However, throughout its history, the Turkish state has eliminated all those who rebelled against it with the support of certain collaborators only to then kill these collaborators as well. There are dozens of examples for this. The Turkish state does not discriminate between different groups of Kurds. The only thing it cares about is how to use Kurds against Kurds. This is what its policy has always been based on. Although we have put this issue on the agenda, the Barzanis still predicate themselves solely on their own interests. Yet, it is not clear how much longer they will be able to protect their interests. All the gains they have made have been achieved due to the struggle of the PKK. The Turkish state accepts the Barzanis and helps them, not for the sake of the Barzanis but only to eliminate the PKK. They get these opportunities from Turkey due to the struggle against the PKK. They did not get the means and opportunities they have today through their own struggle. The struggle of the PKK has contributed a lot to this. Now they are, so to speak, shooting themselves in the foot. I would like to warn them: They should not use these opportuni- ties and possibilities they have gained through the PKK to destroy the PKK. The Kurdish people should not accept this either.
What they have now done in Balisan [in South Kurdistan] is obvious. They are waging a psychological war over this incident, spreading a lot of lies and misinformation to prevent the truth from being understood. According to the information we have, it was not the planes of the Turkish state that bombed our friends. KDP forces set up an ambush for our friends, attacked them, martyred two of them and took three wounded friends away with them. This is the information we have. In order to prevent this fact from be- ing understood, they say, “The planes of the Turkish state bombed them, and then the wounded were taken away”. The reconnaissance drones of the Turkish state cannot detect our friends in Balisan. Only the KDP forces in the area can detect them and provide information regarding their presence. Otherwise, how could the reconnaissance drones of the Turkish state know that 5 people were walking through Balisan val- ley? This is simply impossible. All this was done by the KDP and the Barzanis. Our people need to be aware of this. If things are really the way they claim, they need to make a statement and hand over our friends to us. But so far they have neither made a statement, nor given an answer or delivered those friends to us. The families of our friends whom they had martyred before demanded the bodies of their children for months. They organized protests for this purpose, but the KDP and the Barzanis didn’t even give an answer. They kill our friends and don’t hand over their bodies, and on top of that they just deny every-
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thing. The Kurdish people need to hold them to account for this. Why don’t the KDP and the Barzanis make a statement? Why don’t they share information on this issue? Why don’t they respond? They do all this because they don’t want their crimes to be exposed.
They martyred many of our friends in Hewlêr [Erbil] before, and they didn’t hand over their bodies either. No one knows where the bodies of these friends are. There is even a rumor saying that they constructed a building in the area where these bodies were buried. Just like the Turkish state constructed buildings in Newala Qesaba [Butchers Creek], the Barzanis are today doing the same. The intentions of the Turkish state are well known: It wants to leave the Kurdish people without their own history and values. And what do the Barzanis want to do? They also want to leave the Kurdish people and the PKK without their own history and values. Our people need to recognize this and take a stance. If they don’t, this will only con – tinue. Then the Barzanis will cause great damage to the Kurdish people. However, the Kurdish people have reached the status of a free life in some parts of Kurdistan. If this is still being prevented in some places, this is due to the Barzanis. Just as the Turkish state claims, “We only have a problem with the PKK, not with the Kurds,” the Barzanis say, “The PKK is the cause of the Turkish state’s attacks. If it were not for the PKK, the Turkish state would not attack.” But what does all of this have to do with being Kurdish?
The Turkish state also pursues a dirty policy in North Kurdistan [East Turkey]. In addition to the dirty methods you just described, they are trying to create divisions in Kurdish politics and intensify their special war policies with a festival they organized in the Sur district in the city of Amed [Diyarbakir]. What would you like to say about these issues?
The AKP-MHP government wants to eliminate everything with the name Kurdistan or Kurdish. They are doing this openly and think that they can achieve their desired results by doing so. On this basis, the Turk- ish state is waging a special war in order to confuse everyone. They think that if they do this, they will be able to force everyone to surrender and thus be able to complete the genocide. For a long time already, the Turkish state has not only been against the Kurdish people but against the mountains, trees and simply all living being in Kurdistan. Its goal is to leave no living space for Kurds anywhere. Cutting down trees in places like Dersim and Botan is part of this policy. This is not simply a matter of cutting down trees and selling them. This is part of the politics of genocide. That is why the Turkish state destroys nature. It does so consciously. This is part of its war.
For example, they want to organize a so-called festival in Sur [historical district in the city of Amed/Di- yarbakir]. Those who left no stone unturned and destroyed all the houses in Sur are organizing a festival in Sur today. Kurds have nothing to do with this festival. The Turkish state’s only concern is to assimilate the Kurds. They are trying to make them forget what the state has brought upon the Kurds. They want to re- move the traces of what happened in Sur and thus deceive everyone. For this reason, people should not go to this festival. They should oppose it. Such a festival is a source of shame for Amed and Sur. For example, Türkeş once wanted to go to Amed, but the people of Amed did not accept this. They opposed him com- ing there and consequently, Türkeş never tried to visit the city again.
When we look at today, we can see that state representatives are going to Amed again. They want to elimi – nate the patriotism of Amed and Kurdistan. You raze Sur to the ground, make the people there miserable, try to win them for all kinds of bad things, commit massacres, execute people in prison, resort to torture and arrests every day, use chemical weapons against the guerrillas 24/7, attack Rojava and South Kurdistan without a brake and massacre people. And then you just organize a festival in Sur. What does this mean? It
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means that they have an attitude of saying ‘No matter what I do, the Kurds won’t understand anyway, and I can easily make them forget what I have done’. But the Kurds are no longer the Kurds of the past. No one can make them forget their Kurdish identity. Today, Kurds are taking revenge for all they have been through and will continue to do so.
Because of the genocide policy against our movement, the ‘Labor and Freedom Alliance’ was formed in Turkey. This alliance is growing bigger every day. It represents all peoples in Turkey. Therefore, the politics of Turkey is no longer being determined by the AKP, MHP and CHP, but by this alliance. Now, apart from the alliances of AKP and CHP, the ‘Labor and Freedom Alliance’ has been formed. This represents a third way in politics. With each passing day, this kind of politics is getting stronger thus affecting the en – tire politics of Turkey. They see that no one can do politics in Turkey without this alliance and therefore consider it as dangerous. That is why they are reaching out to this alliance to weaken and neutralize the third way. They are doing this in order for the AKP-MHP to remain in power. Everyone must understand this and defeat these tactics. Therefore, everyone must take part in the ‘Labor and Freedom Alliance’. Be- cause when this alliance is grows stronger, the enemy’s games will be foiled and the fascist government will come to an end. The problems of the Kurds, the other peoples, Alevis and other groups will thus be solved. The third way, which includes the HDP and many other parties and organizations, is the only so- lution. Everyone knows that the HDP is the driving force for this. Everyone agrees that the HDP will play a decisive role in the upcoming elections and that it will determine the results. The goal is to bring about the fall of the AKP-MHP government and to not allow the CHP to gain power. As a response to all these efforts, the state will try to break this alliance.
In order to complete the unfinished genocide against the Kurds, both the conspiratorial forces and the capitalists in Turkey brought the AKP-MHP to power. Because the International Conspiracy means the completion of the genocide against the Kurdish people. In this regard, they have made certain achieve- ments with the help of the AKP-MHP and they want to finalize their efforts. In other words, they will seek to complete the Kurdish genocide by destroying the PKK. Therefore, they want the AKP-MHP to stay in power. How will they try to do this? By weakening the alliance of which the HDP is a part. If they break this alliance, the HDP and the Kurds apart, then the CHP will not be able to come to power and the AKP and MHP will remain the government. This is the basis of the tactics currently being put into ac – tion. It is the MIT [Turkish intelligence service] that is carrying out these tactics.
If the CHP thinks that it will come to power by securing the votes of some Kurds, it is mistaken. They are just playing Erdoğan and Bahçeli’s games. I would like to warn everyone: Those who weaken the ‘Labor and Freedom Alliance’ and the HDP are just serving the AKP-MHP and the politics of genocide. No one should do this. Everyone who sees those who are doing a service. This kind of policy should oppose them, stop them and tell them that they shouldn’t do this.
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Today, for the first time, there is hope in Turkey. The forces of democracy have started to take action. This does not only have an effect on the elections but it will also determine the fate of Turkey and everyone else and solve all problems, including the Kurdish question. This is what the Turkish state wants to prevent. They can achieve certain results by shutting down the HDP or by breaking it apart, by breaking apart the Kurds. Therefore, we must strengthen the HDP and this alliance against this policy. Then the Turkish state will not be able to play these games. All their games will be turned on them. It is this alliance that will de – termine the elections and the future of Turkey. Therefore, I would like to call on everyone to take part in this alliance, because by strengthening this alliance they can save themselves from fascism.
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Aldar Xelîl: Turkey fabricates justifications for occupation
Kahraman Dilsoz | Heseke | 14 October 2022
The Democratic Union Party (PYD) Co-Presidency Council Member Aldar Xelîl remarked that the reason for the deepening of the crisis in the Middle East is the imprisonment of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan following an international conspiracy. “The Middle East could have rebuilt itself and resolved its problems in these 24 years,” Xelîl underlined.
PYD Co-Presidency Council Member Xelîl answered ANF’s questions concerning the October 9 conspir- acy, the attitude of the Syrian regime and the Adana Agreement, CPT’s visit to Imrali prison and the Turk- ish invasion.
We have entered the 25th year of the international conspiracy. How was the political atmosphere in Syria before the conspiracy against Öcalan? How was the conspiracy managed? What was the position of the Damascus regime and Öcalan’s attitude towards it?
As is known, Öcalan had projects for freedom and democracy. He is a leader who struggles for freedom and liberation. The plan he introduced presented solutions to resolve all the existing problems in the Mid- dle East. The world and regional hegemonic powers did not stop their attacks through the Turkish state. They did not want peace and solutions to the problems. The Turkish state violently attacked both the Kur- dish Freedom Movement and the Kurdish people. It also threatened the Syrian state. When they realized that their attacks against the Kurdish Freedom Movement would not yield results through military opera- tions, and even when their plans to physically eliminate Öcalan in Damascus failed, they directed their threats against the Syrian state and worked hard to get Öcalan out of Syria and the Middle East.
Following World War II, the Syrian state became a part of the so-called anti-Western front allying with the Soviet Union, socialist parties and circles at that time. Liberation movements and Kurdish movements could take advantage of this, at least in Syria and Lebanon. When the Turkish state started to threaten the Syrian regime, the regime could no longer maintain its former position. After the 1989-1990s, the world was not the same as before. The Soviets were no longer the same either. The world order had changed.
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In the meantime, the threats from the Turkish state were serious. In fact, the Turkish threats against Syria were not new. They had done the same in 1937. Turkey wanted to invade Syria by deploying its army to the border. Turkey told Syria ‘You either give Öcalan to us, get him out or we attack’. Öcalan replied that “I would never want or accept a state to attack another and a war to break out because of me.’ He wanted the Kurdish question to be moved beyond the borders and a solution to be come up with at international level. With his leave, he did not only prevent the eruption of a war in Syria, but also sought to make sure that a step was taken for a solution.
Ultimately, Öcalan had to leave Syria. No problems have been solved in the Middle East since the conspir- acy against him. On the contrary, the existing problems have grown even deeper. With this international conspiracy, they took Öcalan out of the Middle East and later captured him. 24 years have been taken from the lives of the peoples of the Middle East. The Middle East could have rebuilt itself and resolved its problems in these 24 years. Yet, the Middle East crisis has deepened and become more challenging. The whole reason for this is that Öcalan has been taken prisoner.
How did the Adana Agreement signed between Damascus and Ankara contribute to this conspiracy and what is the reason behind its current update?
The Adana Agreement was essentially one of the first steps of the conspiracy and threats against Syria. Firstly, the Turkish state occupied and seized the Hatay-İskenderun region. With this agreement, the Syr – ian state actually undermined its sovereignty. Until the Adana Agreement, the Damascus administration would say “we have regions under Turkish occupation, they must be liberated”. After the Adana Agree- ment, the Syrian state no longer talked about it. So, the Syrian state officially acknowledged the Turkish occupation and seizure of its territory. Secondly, it allowed the Turkish state to enter Syrian territory at up to 10 km depth whenever it wanted, for any reason, except for the previously occupied areas. In other words, Syria’s sovereignty and integrity were lost. Syria became a place open to the Turkish state.
The Turkish state has now occupied regions such as Idlib, Bab, Azaz, Jarablus, Afrin, Serêkaniyê and Girê Spi. Turkey now wants to enter Syria not just within 10 km. Officially, it mentions a 30 km-deep buffer zone, but if it can, it will go up to 60-70 km. This shows that the Turkish state has a project of occupation, a project of expanding itself over other peoples in the Middle East.
For this reason, the Adana Agreement is not in the interests of the Syrian peoples. By updating the agree- ment, Turkey seeks to take advantage of the Syrian regime which is weak and obviously does not have much sovereignty over its own territory.
Turkey wants to dictate its conditions to the Damascus administration by taking advantage of the contra- dictions between Russia-Ukraine, the USA, Coalition forces and by linking Iraqi and Syrian issues to- gether. Through the recent attempts for reconciliation with Syria, Turkey wants to both update the Adana Agreement and make use of the regime in its opposition to the Autonomous Administration. The Turkish state asked for help from everyone to attack the Autonomous Administration and destroy the Kurdish people. Initially, it cooperated with Jabhat al-Nusra, the FSA and ISIS, and now it is asking for help from the Syrian regime. It will never stop its initiatives to this end.
62 The İmralı Post #23
Millions around the world continue to protest the aggravated isolation imposed on Öcalan in Imrali prison. What forced the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) to send a delegation to the Imrali priosn after a long hiatus, and why does the CPT not give information about the delegation’s visit?
For years, the Kurds, the peoples of the region and the world, intellectuals, workers, laborers, students, youth and women have been aware that Öcalan’s imprisonment is not legitimate. The CPT was forced to pay a visit because the campaigns for Öcalan’s freedom did not stop.
They went to the Imrali prison following the widespread protest actions, but they did not deal with the sit- uation in legal terms. They should have made an official statement. They should have said that ‘we are here, this is the situation and there is a violation of rights.’ The CPT announced that their report would be released after 6 months. Then, what’s the point of visiting Imrali prison? Undoubtedly, this is a subject of criticism.
We can consider the CPT visit as a success of the actions of the peoples for Öcalan. But all of these institu- tions are connected to a world order and hegemony. This hegemony is already managing the conspiracy process.
What should be done to end the occupation in Serêkaniyê and Girê Spî, which has just marked its third year?
This is an occupation, and it cannot continue like this. People have been driven out of their houses and villages and forced to migrate. Many people have been arrested, injured and martyred. Therefore, the Turkish state must leave these regions. The occupation of Afrin, Serêkaniyê, Girê Spî and other occupied regions (Jarablus, Bab, etc.) must finally come to an end.
We must liberate our occupied lands. In order to end the occupation in these lands and to live freely, we must increase our struggle and strengthen our organization. We must rely on our own power but not for- eign institutions. If these powers took care of our freedom, they would neither have carried out the Octo- ber 9 conspiracy nor would they have allowed the Middle East to grapple with such a crisis. If our lands are currently being occupied and everyone is keeping quiet, it means that they are partners to the occupa- tion.
What does the Turkish state mean by specifically pointing to Manbij after the guerrilla action in Mersin?
The Turkish state and government are enemies of the Kurds. It subjects the Kurdish people to cruelty and oppression. It wants to destroy a people as a whole. However, the people are resisting. For years, the chil- dren of these people have been carrying out actions of self-sacrifice. This is a sacred thing. It is a legitimate right of defence. The action of the two Kurdish revolutionary women in Mersin was an action reclaiming dignity. Erdogan should ask himself why these young people sacrifice themselves at this young age. Instead of thinking about it, he is looking for reasons as to who sent them, how the action was carried out.
For months, Turkey has been attacking and it threatens to escalate its attacks. Turkey seeks to change the cover of its attacks. Currently, it wants to attack based on justification. Mersin is too far away from Rojava.
63 The İmralı Post #23 Turkish officials keep saying that the guerrillas had gone there from Manbij. They even mention a specific
place. This means that they are seeking justifications for new attacks.
What has the Turkish army been doing in Zap, Avaşîn and Metîna since April? It is attacking civilians after crossing the border up to 100-140 kilometres up to Kelar around Sulaymaniyah. Why did the Turkish forces kill a Kurdish female writer, someone who works for a magazine and academy, and promotes the science of women, Jineology. Journalists, politicians, parliamentarians are being targeted by the Turkish state, which did the same thing in North-East Syria. Instead of blaming a specific place for the action in Mersin, Turkey should ask this question: ‘what did I do to these people to make them carry out such ac- tions against me?’ This is a legitimate action. People are supposed to protect their dignity. They want to destroy this people. Will the people not resist? Erdogan will always seek justifications to continue his bru- tal violations.
There has been a revival of ISIS recently. What should a new roadmap to combat ISIS be like?
It is obvious that the Turkish state wants to revive ISIS. Turkey supports ISIS with money, weapons and ammunition. Especially after the Sina’a Prison attack, they wanted to carry out a new attack on the region. However, the security forces and the Autonomous Administration of North-East Syria were already pre- pared with all their institutions. They frustrated the attacks. This is a success. We congratulate them.
It should not be forgotten that ISIS still poses a danger. The burden should not be left only to the Autono – mous Administration and its military forces. This is a huge international burden that bears great dangers in it. For this very reason, all international powers must fulfil their responsibilities.
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Opinion
Mouini: People should struggle together
ANF | 16 October 2022
The protests that erupted in Rojhilat (Eastern Kurdistan) and Iran after the murder of Jina Amini by the morality police on 16 September 2022, have been going on for one month. Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) Co-Chair Siyamend Mouini made important calls and assessed the demonstrations to the ANF.
Mouini commemorated those who lost their lives in Rojhilat and Iran, and pointed out that as PJAK, they have prepared some projects for the democratization of Iran and the self-government of Eastern Kurdistan. He said that the dictatorial regime in Iran violently responded to democratic demands and added: “It is a women-led revolution that will leave its mark on the current history, and it has shaken Iran’s system. It is a revolution that will open the door to change not only in Iran but also in the entire Middle East.”
64 The İmralı Post #23 ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadi’ is now the slogan of freedom
Emphasizing that the region is going through a historical period, Mouini said: “The common meeting point of those who struggle with hunger, those who demand a free will and all other peoples is change.”
Addressing the people who have been demonstrating in Rojhilat and Iran for days, Mouini said: “Your ac- tions are the beginning of a renaissance campaign that will affect the entire region. Your slogan ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadi’ has become the slogan of not only a feminist movement but also a freedom movement. We believe that your struggle will bring an end to colonialism, dictatorship and reactionary policies.”
Mouini said that the continuation of the demonstrations means paying a high price, and called on those who have not participated in the protests until now, saying: “It’s time for you to stand up.”
Mouini said that workers should participate in this revolution.
We stand by the Baluchi people
Addressing the Baluchi people, Mouini said: “The Baluchi people have seen great pressure from this fascist regime. At present, they are being subjected to massacres. Let Baluchi and other peoples know that the Kurdish people and our movement will be with you until the end. Our struggle will also avenge the Baluchi who were killed during these protests.”
Pointing out that the slogan of ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadi’ can be the symbol of this revolutionary movement that includes all peoples and communities, PJAK Co-chair Siyamend Mouini made the following calls: “All Kurdish people should act together. This revolution led by the Kurdish people should bring the end of the nation-state system in Iran and lead to the establishment of a democratic system for the Kurds and other peoples.”
People should be unit in the struggle
Pointing out that a young woman named Nika was killed by state forces in Lorestan, Mouini said: “This murder is a great disrespect and insult to the people of Lorestan.”
Stating that the Tabriz region also joined the resistance for solidarity with the Kurdish people, Mouini said: “We also convey our thanks to the people of Tabriz. The peoples of Iran have experienced common suffering and oppression by the same system, so their fate is shared. Azeri, Arab, Baluchi and Kurds to- gether can destroy this system.”
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65 The İmralı Post #23 KODAR co-chair Gulan Fehim: People in Rojhilat and Iran are
demanding freedom
ANF | 17 October 2022
Eastern Kurdistan Freedom and Democracy Union (KODAR) co-chair Gulan Fehim evaluated the stage reached by the month-long women-led Rojhilat (East) and Iran serhildan. Fehim commemorated those who lost their lives during this resistance, and pointed out that people from many countries of the world supported the demonstrators with different actions.
Stating that the serhildan, which has spread to all parts of Rojhilat and Iran, will achieve important results, Fehim said: “Our women took a stance worthy of them. We think that this stance will become even stronger. This resistance led by women has revived the struggle for freedom and equality, as well as for a meaningful life in Rojhilat and Iran.
‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadi’ is a philosophy
Gulan Fehim said that the level of support of the resistance in Rojhilat and Iran is very high and contin- ued: “The slogan ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadi’ in the demonstrations expresses a philosophy, ideology and a new life. Although women are at the forefront of this struggle, this demand is for the whole society and therefore the support is growing.”
Fehim drew attention to the statement of Kurdish people’s leader Abdullah Öcalan: “Without women’s freedom, society cannot be free,” and added that “this is the approach that is currently being taken as a ba- sis in Rojhilat and Iran. Just as there were events that shook the regimes in Arab countries—the so-called ‘Arab spring’ in 2010-2011—we are now witnessing the same with the people living in Iran and Rojhilat.”
The people of Rojhilat are very conscious
Fehim stated that although the resistance that emerged in Arab countries led to some rights for the people, it did not lead to radical changes because it did not involve all segments of society.
Reminding that the popular uprisings in Rojhilat and Iran were suppressed before, Fehim underlined that a different process is going on right now. She said that all segments and all communities met with a com- mon demand. “This situation will result in important developments.”
Stating that the Iranian state deprived all peoples of their rights, especially women, on a sexist basis, Gulan Fehim said: “The people are struggling against the regime in the streets and will not give up this resistance until they achieve results. They are paying a heavy price for this, and this level of struggle will bring great success.”
66 The İmralı Post #23 No need to rely on foreign powers
Addressing the people of Rojhilat who are resisting, Gulan Fehim said: “Our people should believe in their own strength and practice self-defense, without relying on any foreign power. Our people have never been violent. If Iran wants to solve this problem, it should listen to the demands of the people.”
Fehim underlined that the people are united and added: “If Iran does not start the process of change in line with the demands of the people, our people will continue their struggle in every field. We believe that this resistance will pave the way for great success not only in Rojhilat and Iran, but also in the whole re – gion.”
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67
The İmralı Post #23
Who Are We?
The International Initiative “Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan — Peace in Kurdistan” was founded in March 1999, a month after Öcalan’s abduction from Kenya and his imprisonment by Turkey. Since its initial foundation, the International Initiative struggled for Abdullah Öcalan’s re- lease from prison so that he can play his rightful role in the establishment of a just peace between the Turkish state and Kurdistan’s Workers Party (PKK). The International Initia- tive also aimed at contributing to the repairing of the ties between the Kurdish and Turkish peoples, as well as all other peoples of the Middle Eastern regions.
In order to achieve its aims, the International Initiative followed several related paths. Influencing international and national audiences through international campaigns to in- terfere with Turkish state’s policies towards Abdullah Öcalan has been one of these paths. A second area of work the In- ternational Initiative committed itself is the dissemination of Öcalan’s views through art, publications and conferences. Finally, the International Initiative has also been active in raising awareness for Öcalan’s conditions and the human rights violations he faces through reports, fact-finding dele- gations and lobbying.
Campaigns
The International Initiative organizes signature campaigns to influence the policies towards Öcalan. One such cam- paign which was launched in 2012 by one thousand prelim- inary signatories including Gerry Adams, Prof. Antonio Ne- gri, Prof. Immanuel Wallerstein, Prof. Achin Vanaik, and other intellectuals, politicians, MPs, and NGOs from South America, Europe, Asia, Russia, and the Middle East. The campaign reached 10,328,623 signatures and may be the biggest signature campaign for the freedom of a political prisoner that the world has ever seen. It significantly chal- lenged the isolation that was enforced on Öcalan and possi- bly paved the ways for the peace talks that the Turkish state and Öcalan led between 2013 and 2015.
The International Initiative also organizes video cam- paigns that educate the public on Öcalan’s life-story, his prison conditions and the demands for his freedom.
Publications
The International Initiative translates, edits and publishes books written by Öcalan in different languages including in English, German, French, Spanish and Arabic.
It compiles brochures from his works on specific topics, such as democratic confederalism or women’s freedom.
It edits books on Öcalan that discuss his main ideas.
The International Initiative also publishes regular reports on Öcalan’s prison conditions and his isolation.
Conferences
The International Initiative organizes biannual conferences and invites scholars, activists, students and politicians to discuss Öcalan’s ideas in order to initiate a conversation be- tween different Movements around the world.
Delegations
th
Every year on February 15 , which is the date of the abduc-
tion of Abdullah Öcalan, the International Initiative orga- nizes a group of internationally acclaimed people to take a trip to Turkey for a fact finding mission and publicizes their findings.
Lobbying
The International Initiative lobbies in the European Coun- cil, CPT and other international organizations against the human rights violations against Abdullah Öcalan and his total isolation in İmralı prison.
Art for Öcalan
This campaign aims to express the relationship between Ab- dullah Öcalan, Kurdish people, freedom and women’s free- dom and to educate the wider public on the past and present of the Kurdish people. The International Initiative has already collected art from Brazil, South Africa, USA, South America, Italy, Germany as well as Kurds from differ- ent parts of Kurdistan. These works have been printed in postcards, t-shirts and canvas and made available for solidar- ity sale.
Contact e-mail: imralipost@freeocalan.org
Websites: freeocalan.org | ocalanbooks.com ‖ Videos: vimeo.com/freeocalan