XWÎNDA DIYAR

Raqqa- April 4 marks both the birthday of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan and the Women’s Defense Units (YPJ).

“Leader Apo is a manifesto of life for us and we are alive today thanks to this manifesto,” said Meryem Henan, a resident of Raqqa, a city in North and East Syria. “Women cannot build their society without knowing themselves. Although leader Apo is now behind bars, we always support him. We will struggle until his freedom is ensured.”

 ‘We want to celebrate his birthday with him’

Meryem Henan spoke about the birthday of Abdullah Öcalan. “I hope and want to celebrate the birthday of leader Apo with him in Amara. I call on women all around the world to rise up and ensure the freedom of leader Apo. Leader Apo has made great efforts for us, women. We must support his efforts.”

‘The YPJ makes history’

Meryem Henan also spoke about the 12th anniversary of the foundation of the YPJ. “The YPJ was founded to protect the rights of people, especially women. The YPJ has put its signature under important successes. As women, we get our strength from the YPJ because the YPJ fighters defend both our society and our land. The YPJ has made history on the Tishreen Dam and the Qereqozax Bridge.

“Leader Apo says, ‘A country can't be free unless the women are free’. As women, we do not accept a country in which leader Apo is not free. We will struggle until leader Apo regains his physical freedom.”

At the end of her speech, Meryem Henan demanded the immediate release of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan. “He should benefit from the ‘right to hope’.”