News Center - The Coordination of the Kurdistan Women’s Freedom Party emphasized that Berîtan Hevî’s heroic struggle will remain a guiding light for generations in their path toward freedom, noting that her stance embodied the essence of dignity and liberation.

On the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the martyrdom of the revolutionary Berîtan Hevî (Gulnaz Karataş), the PAJK Coordination issued a statement today, Friday, October 24, saying:
“We commemorate our comrade Berîtan Hevî, whose struggle the leader Öcalan described as an embodiment of love and honor. With deep respect and gratitude, we remember her heroic sacrifices, which became a symbol of dignity and resistance. We affirm that her legacy will continue to illuminate the path of future generations in their journey toward freedom.”

The statement noted that Berîtan Hevî was born in Solhan in 1971 and hailed from Dersim. She became acquainted with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) during her university years and joined its ranks in 1991. Although she did not complete even two years within the organization, she carved her name in history through her struggle, which rivaled that of Öcalan himself, especially under the harshest of circumstances.

It further explained that the Turkish military operation known as “Beyond the Borders,” launched in 1983, failed to achieve its objectives, prompting Turkey to expand it with the participation of Peshmerga forces from both the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). In the face of these fierce air and ground assaults, Kurdish female fighters displayed extraordinary bravery and sacrifice. Women’s units were at the forefront of the resistance in several key areas. “In the Haftanin region, resistance intensified under the leadership of Commander Mehriban Saran, while on the Khakurk front, Berîtan Hevî confronted surrender attempts with steadfast defiance, embodying the spirit of resistance and perseverance until her final moments.”

The statement recounted that on October 15, 1992, comrade Berîtan Hevî stood tall like an unshakable fortress in the face of the enemy, fighting courageously until her last bullet. When her ammunition ran out, she chose to break her weapon and throw herself off a cliff, preferring martyrdom to capture. This heroic act was not only told by her comrades but also confirmed by testimonies from Peshmerga fighters who were on the opposing side, reflecting the greatness of her stance.

The PAJK Coordination stressed that Berîtan Hevî embodied the essence of the Apoist Women’s Liberation War- resistance until the last breath, and refusal to surrender under any circumstances. She believed that victory is born from perseverance and that dignity can only be preserved through sacrifice. Through her heroism, she proved herself the true heir to the legacy of Zarife and Bese, becoming an eternal symbol in the Kurdish struggle against oppression and surrender.

The statement added that what Berîtan Hevî did was not an act of suicide but a pure expression of the line of freedom. She bravely confronted reactionary nationalism, surrender, opportunism, and backwardness, expressing through her act a firm rejection of all forms of submission. Her devotion to the Apoist freedom struggle stemmed from a deep belief in the cause of liberty and an unshakable faith in the strength and leading role of women in the revolutionary movement. Her active participation paved the way for the historic decision to include women in the armed forces, making women’s struggle an inseparable part of the liberation movement. Thus, she became a crucial source of faith and strength—not only for her comrades but for everyone who believes in freedom, proving that dignity is protected through resistance, not submission.

The statement described Berîtan Hevî as a living embodiment of harmony between struggle, freedom, beauty, and love. Through her participation in the Apoist freedom struggle, she became a revolutionary fighting for victory in the difficult battle for liberation- especially for women’s dignity and free existence. Known for her depth, intellect, strong will, and unwavering courage, she extended her spirit of sacrifice into every aspect of life- from thought to poetry. Her diaries and writings reflected her continuous pursuit of a free life, a pursuit that gave the life of a revolutionary its human dimension- one that grows and evolves through resistance. With her steadfast spirit, determination, love, and principled stance against betrayal, she became not only a symbol of sacrifice but a beacon that guides the path of all freedom fighters.

The Coordination emphasized that “Berîtan Hevî’s flame will remain burning in our hands as a source of inspiration and strength. We will continue to walk her path with clarity of thought and courageous steps. As our women’s army has grown, so too has the legacy of the martyrs and our core demand for women’s self-defense- a right that cannot be compromised. This demand is rooted in the principles of socialism and the philosophy of women’s free life established by Leader Öcalan in his liberatory vision for women. It drives us today to strengthen our struggle against the culture of enslavement imposed upon women, just as Berîtan Hevî and her comrades did. This vision, which embodies the principles of freedom under the leadership of our movement, is a force for building a communal life.”

The statement concluded: “With unyielding determination, unwavering resolve, and unbreakable faith, we will embody this vision. In commemorating the martyrs- especially Berîtan Hevî- we honor all those who have fallen on the path to freedom with respect, love, longing, and gratitude. We renew our pledge to continue this struggle until the complete victory of freedom.”