News Center- On June 23, 2020, Turkish drones targeted three women politicians in the Helincê (Halinja) village of Kobanê. Kongra Star Coordination member Zehra Berkel, Kongra Star Assembly member Hebun Xelil and Emine Weysi were killed in the Turkish airstrike. Afrin Region Konra Star office held a mass march in the memory of killed three women with the motto, “Killing a woman is a betrayal of life” with the participation of women from Afrin, Shahba and women working for the organizations and institutions affiliated to the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.

The march started from the entrance of the Babines village of Shahba’s Ehdasa town and ended at the marketplace. After the march, a moment of silence was observed for those who lost their lives.

“They want to break our will”

Afrin Region Kongra Star Coordination member Gulê Muhammed made a speech and said, “We remember the three women resistance fighters who reached the rank of martyrdom with respect. Today, we witness how the enemy brutally targets the Kurdish people and Kurdish women, who want freedom. The enemy always wants to enslave women, particularly Kurdish women. For this reason, the Turkish state targeted three brave women, who wanted freedom. We stand firm against the invaders and say that no one can defeat us. Since we adopt leader Apo's thoughts and philosophy, we follow his path. We say that as Kurdish women and women's organizations, we will avenge our martyrs.”

Candles lit in Til Temir

Many activities and events were held across northeastern Syria in memory of those who lost their lives in the massacre last night. A commemoration ceremony was held last night in the Martyr's Cemetery in Til Temir. Afte candles were lit on the graves of three women, Kongra Star Board member Madlên El-Ibêd made a speech.

Stating that the enemy has always targeted women playing a pioneering roles in the Kurdish Movement, she said, “Organized women who oppose the consciousness and politics of the nation-state have been always the target of the enemy and are murdered. Strong women have been targeted because they are builders of life and fight for women’s freedom. The target of women in NE Syria is the target of political presence of women. The Turkish state should be punished for its crimes against organized women.”