Kurdish revolutionaries Şirin Elemhuli, Ferzad Kemanger, Ferhad Wekili, Eli Heyderyan and Mehdi İslamyan were executed by the Iranian regime in the Evin Prison in Tehran on 9 May, 2010.

The Eastern Kurdistan Free Women's Association (KJAR) released a statement remembering the five martyrs on the 12th anniversary of their execution.

The KJAR statement released on Saturday said, “As their companions, we continue our struggle with great morale and excitement. To the Kurdish people, May is the month of the greatest struggle against fascism. Our martyrs achieved great gains for our people and presented a new life to them.”

KJAR paid tribute to Şirin Elemhuli who -it said- did never surrender, based on the culture of resistance, played a leading role as her companions Leyla Kasım, Sara, Beritan and Zilan, and responded to the patriarchial mentality with great commitment.

“No authoritarian or dictatorial power could ever stop the freedom struggle or choke back popular support throughout history. The occupying forces can only be defeated by the people's organization. The legitimate struggle of women and people can put an end to the execution policies of the Iranian regime,” the statement said.

KJAR ended its statement by calling on the Kurdish people and women to enhance the struggle for freedom.