The Media Center of the Women’s Defense Units (YPJ) released a statement strongly condemning the treacherous attack carried out by the Turkish occupation forces against journalists Cihan Bilgin and Nazim Daştan:

“We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to pursuing the path of truth. Through the persons of journalists Nazim and Cihan, we remember all the martyrs of free media and bow in respect to their courage and sacrifices in this historic era,” said the YPJ statement, which further includes the following:

“The forces that fear truth and reality, and those with suspicious agendas, do not want the truth to be revealed. Therefore, they consistently target journalists with brutal violence. Journalist Cihan Bilgin, a member of Hawar News Agency, and journalist Nazim Daştan, who were covering the events and attacks carried out by the Turkish occupation on Tishreen Dam and Qaraqozak Bridge, were deliberately targeted.

Since November 27th, Turkey has been waging a large-scale occupation attack on North and East Syria. Particularly since December 8th, historic resistance has been unfolding at Tishreen Dam and Qaraqozak Bridge against Turkish attacks and its mercenaries, led by the fighters of the Manbij Military Council and the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ). Free journalism, which knows no boundaries or restrictions, continues to reveal the truth despite the intensity of the attacks.

The killings, rapes, looting, and torture occurring in Syria are being uncovered by free media outlets. Thus, the Turkish state, through its special warfare apparatus, seeks to hide the truth from the global public. It also attempts to rebrand its mercenaries, who are remnants of ISIS, under new names. Turkey does not want its true face to be exposed and therefore targets journalists who convey the voice of truth.

In the face of this campaign of misinformation, journalists like Cihan Bilgin and Nazim Daştan remain the voice of truth for their people. In all wars, targeting journalists is considered a war crime under international law. Therefore, the Turkish state must be held accountable for its fascist violations against journalists. We call on all concerned institutions to fulfill their responsibilities.

Cihan and Nazim began their journalistic journey in Northern Kurdistan, where they faced severe repression by the Turkish state. Nevertheless, they continued to publish photos and videos to the world, never ceasing to expose the facts despite all obstacles and difficulties. Cihan and Nazim were never intimidated by these attacks but persisted in conveying the truth so the world could see the reality of the Rojava Revolution, the system of self-administration, and the social organization. They were always on the frontlines in North and East Syria, showing the world the heroism of the fighters in every campaign and against all Turkish occupation attacks.

Journalists like Cihan Bilgin and Nazim Daştan were part of the line of resistance, documenting the heroic resistance of YPJ, YPG, and SDF fighters. They became the voice of courage and resilience. Revealing the truth is, in itself, a struggle for freedom and justice, and Cihan and Nazim were a living example of this.

Therefore, we extend our condolences to the families of Cihan and Nazim and affirm to all our people that we will continue to follow in their footsteps, spreading the voice of resistance and the struggle for freedom to our people and the entire world.”