Van – The Newroz celebration, a symbol of struggle and resistance for the Kurdish people, is being celebrated with great enthusiasm in many regions these days. Around the Newroz fire, people express their demands and chant for freedom.

Freedom takes on its highest meaning on days like these. Political female prisoners, deprived of their physical freedom in prison, celebrate Newroz with faith, hope, and enthusiasm, conveying their Newroz messages from behind bars, beyond the prison walls.

Female detainees in Van prison in North Kurdistan conveyed their messages for Newroz through our agency, stating that "the blazing fire finds its meaning in the hands of women."

"Women's Will in the Face of Darkness"

Hevîdar Aydın, one of the prisoners, said, "Every spark in the Newroz fire shows women's will in the face of darkness," adding that "Newroz finds its meaning in the fire blazing in the hands of resistant women. Today, women are not only participating in history but have also become agents in free life and democratic politics. Happy Newroz, under the leadership of women."

Fîlem Akar, a prisoner suffering from illness, also emphasized the importance of Newroz in her message: "We hope and wish that this Newroz will be a Newroz of peace, unity, and freedom, and that freedom and unity will be closer to the Kurdish people than ever before."

Her message also included: "I greet you all with the hope of bright, free days. Although we are behind walls, our hearts are with you, and our hopes rise to the sky like flames in the Newroz fields. For us, Newroz is not just an ancient celebration; it is a day of rebirth, resistance, and hope for freedom. We believe that freedom and unity are closer to the Kurdish people today than ever before, because the demand for Kurdish unity is growing in all parts of Kurdistan."

She explained that Newroz comes at a critical time: "Great wars and conflicts are raging in the Middle East. In this climate, the enemies of the Kurds lie in wait to destroy their gains. These are grave dangers, but Kurdish unity, alliance, and resistance will shatter these plots. Brave youth, pure women, may the sound of your drums and chants reach the prisons, the free mountains, and everyone who sows seeds of peace in this land."

Nevertheless, she affirms that "it is time for peace and freedom. We hope and wish for Newroz to be a holiday of peace, unity, and freedom. Long live Kurdish unity, long live peace, long live Newroz. Greetings to the builders of social peace, greetings to those who sow seeds of peace in these sacred lands! We feel deep sorrow for the martyrdom of Kurdish politician Salih Muslim. Our sincere condolences to his family and the Kurdish people. It is an honor for us, and we will never forget his efforts."

"They Cannot Break Our Will"

The message from prisoner Berîhan Kirman stated: "Today, the Newroz fire is not merely a harbinger of spring's arrival; it is also a symbol of a resistance rising against injustice and tyranny. We have walked, and will continue to walk, in the footsteps of those who never bowed throughout history, who never abandoned the truth."

She emphasized: "Neither iron gates nor high walls will break our will, because we know that no force can stand against a just struggle. Newroz is the strongest expression of the people's quest for freedom and their demand for equality and justice. Every fire lit today is a sign that the voices they seek to silence will grow louder."

She added: "I want to affirm once again from here: injustice, bans, and prisons cannot break a people's will. Our faith and struggle are steadfast. Although we are in prisons today, our hope for a free tomorrow is greater than ever. With this feeling and this determination, we celebrate Newroz; the holiday of freedom, justice, and a dignified future. I call upon all our people to stand united in the struggle for life. Happy Newroz."