BÊRÎVAN ÇİYA

Shengal (Sinjar)- 25 years have passed since the international conspiracy launched against Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan by international forces and regional countries on October 9, 1998. On February 15, 1999, Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan was brought to Turkey and since then an aggravated isolation has been imposed on him in Imrali prison. But the democratic confederalism and jineology theorized by him continue to be a hope for women and people.

In an interview with NuJINHA, Şemê Remo, coordinating member of the Yazidi Free Women's Movement (Kurdish: Tevgera Azadiya Jinên Êzîdî-TAJÊ) and Ferîde Şengalî, member of the TAJÊ spoke about the international conspiracy against Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan and the ongoing absolute isolation imposed on him.

 ‘They cannot erase his ideology’

In her speech, Şemê Remo said that they, as Yazidi women and Yazidi community, felt indebted to Abdullah Öcalan.

“For us, the international conspiracy on October 9 and the agreement signed against us on October 9 are the same. The sovereign powers keep attacking Rojava and Shengal because these places are where the ideology and thoughts of leader Apo (Abdullah Öcalan) are strengthened. These attacks target the ideology and thoughts of leader Apo. Leader Apo has a universal perspective and struggles for the freedom of all people, he resists in Imrali. The sovereign powers cannot erase his ideology.”

‘We will not give up on our struggle’

Pointing to the painful experiences faced by Yazidi women and the Yazidi community, Şemê Remo said, “We have lost many of us and paid a heavy price. Despite everything, we did not take a step back from our struggle. We will not give up on our struggle until our leader regains his freedom.” Şemê Remo thinks that the aim of the October 9 conspiracy and ongoing attacks is to prevent the spread of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan’s philosophy, “However, they cannot reach their aim because we will not give up on our struggle and resistance.

Şemê Remo recalled the assassination of Nagihan Akarsel in Sulaymaniyah, she said, “We commemorate Nagihan Akarsel and offer our condolences to her family and friends. As Yazidi women, we are deeply saddened for losing her because we knew her, her struggle for Yazidi women. She made great efforts to save Yazidi women. She showed incredible resistance in Shengal. She was a  wise woman, who wanted to know her history. Unfortunately, she was killed in front of her house. We strongly condemn the assassination against her. A science lover was targeted in Sulaymaniyah. As everyone knows, KJAR (East Kurdistan Free Women Society) member Ciwana Sine (Verishe Moradi) was arrested by members of the IRGC. We call on all Yazidi women to take to the streets to demand her release.”

‘People from all nationalities face the same threat’

In her speech, Ferîde Şengali said that the lack of information from Abdullah Öcalan raised concerns. “We call on everyone to rise up,” she said, emphasizing the new plans made over the Kurdistan Region, Rojava and Shengal in the meetings held by sovereign powers. “Now, people from all nationalities and beliefs face the same threat. Whenever Hakan Fidan comes to Southern Kurdistan, meetings are held about Shengal and Rojava. All people of Iraq should react because these meetings pose a threat to all of us.``

‘It is time to fight and resist’

Ferîde Şengalî talked about the official support of the KDP to the Turkish state and said:

“Southern Kurdistan has been occupied. Southern Kurdistan has become a region of the Turkish state because of the support of the KDP. People of all nationalities and beliefs should rise up or the Turkish state will occupy Shengal and Kirkuk. If the Turkish state takes control of Shengal and Kirkuk, there will be no hometown for both the Yazidis and Arabs. It is time to fight and resist.”