Thousands protest in Sulaymaniyah against attacks on Afrin

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets in several cities in southern Kurdistan to protest against the Turkish invasion attacks on Afrin.

Last week, after the "Afrin Front" campaign was launched by the "Academy of Democratic Thinking and Politics," protest actions were launched against the warfare of the Turkish forces on the northern Syrian canton of Afrin.

In several cities in southern Kurdistan, tens of thousands of people took to the streets and protested against Turkey's invasion plans in northern Syria. In Sulaymaniyah, several thousand people gathered in the Saholeke area and moved towards Baxê Gişti Park. Participants in the protest march held images of Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan,flags of the YPG / YPJ and images of YPJ fighter Avesta Xabur, who carried out an action of self-sacrifice yesterday during a fierce battle between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Turkish invaders in the village of Hemam in Afrin’s Cindires district.

At the closing rally, in the name of the Afrin Front, Mamoste Hêmin said a few words: "For centuries, our people have been suffering from bloodshed, grief and oppression. And even today, the Turkish state has set itself the mind to occupy Afrin. They are targeting the liberal administrative model. Hundreds of people already fell victim to their occupation plans. We call on human rights organizations, the international public and democratic forces not to remain silent and mobilize against the Turkish occupation of Afrin and attacks on the civilian population. We will not accept an invasion of the Turkish state, "said the academic.

Speaking after, Gorran (Change) Movement MP Perwa Eli pointed out that the Turkish state openly attempted to invade Afrin and targeted the Kurdish people. He stressed that Southern Kurdistan parliament shouldn’t remain silent on this invasion operation.

Eli recalled that the number of Turkish state’s military camps in Southern Kurdistan rose to 18, saying; “A parliamentary decision had been made before for the closing of these military bases. Turkish troops must leave Kurdistan. I salute the Afrin resistance. Afrin is not alone.”

Speaking on behalf of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK), Abdullah Mele Nuri said that the Turkish state was waging a war against all Kurds, adding; This truth is known by Amed, Hewler, Sulaymaniyah, Cizre, Mahabad and all Kurdistan. We are belated to get united against these. We need to be one voice and stand against these.”

In addition, it was announced that a group of youth will leave from Sulaymaniyah for Afrîn Canton tomorrow.