MEDYA HAWAR

Shengal (Sinjar)- The Yazidi Free Women's Movement (Kurdish: Tevgera Azadiya Jinên Êzîdî-TAJÊ) organized a workshop in Shengal on February 12 to mark the 25th anniversary of the international conspiracy against Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan on February 15, 1999. The members of the Shengal Women's Union, the Arab Women's Council and the Young Women's Union and many Iraqi women activists participated in the workshop.

At the workshop, NuJINHA spoke to Îmen Al-Lami and Bidûr Al-Cerah, two women journalists in Iraq.

‘Abdullah Öcalan is the leader of this region’

Pointing out that there are many leaders, who have become role models in the region, Bidûr Al-Cerah said, “One of them is Abdullah Öcalan. He is the leader of this region. We will keep struggling for his freedom. We will follow his philosophy so that everyone will be free and has a bright future. Abdullah Öcalan says that women should look into themselves, question their existence in order to achieve their freedom.”

Speaking about the isolation imposed on Abdullah Öcalan, she said, “The aggravated isolation imposed on Abdullah Öcalan causes political turmoil in the Middle East. Even though our leader is behind bars, his books, letters, philosophy and thoughts light our way.”

‘His thoughts led us to resist oppression’

 Abdullah Öcalan is the leader of this century, Îmen Al-Lami said. “We attended this workshop for the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan. The Autonomous Administration system has been implemented in Shengal and in North and East Syria thanks to his philosophy and thoughts. His thoughts led us to resist oppression.”

Commenting on the ongoing attacks on Shengal, she said, “The implementation of the Autonomous Administration system in Shengal will strengthen Iraq, especially women. We demand the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan. He should be allowed to see his family members and lawyers. Leader Abdullah Öcalan has been imprisoned for 25 years. We will resist until we ensure his physical freedom.”