NCDK Helsinki ( Kurdish Democratic Society Center) celebrated the anniversary of the Rojava Revolution and protested Turkish attacks.

The NCDK said in a statement: "The Rojava Revolution celebrated its 10th anniversary on July 19 and, with its democratic confederalism, women's liberation and ecological aspirations, continues to be seen around the world as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration. On the occasion of the anniversary, Kurds and their friends held a demonstration in Helsinki under the motto "Loppu sodalle – solidaarisuutta kurdeille" [An end to the war - solidarity with the Kurds]."  

About 150 people gathered to celebrate the anniversary of Rojava revolution and protest the ongoing military action by the Turkish army in the AANES region and south Kurdistan in northern Iraq. The recent decision by the Finnish government to re-open the arms trade and sign off on Turkey's definition of terrorism, which criminalises not only the PKK but all who are in solidarity with the Kurdistan liberation struggle, was another cause for the rally.

As one speaker of the NCDK put it: "The Finnish government has sold the Kurds with the despicable NATO-contract they made with Turkey."

A speaker from the Kurdish Solidarity network said that this event served as a reminder to stand together loud and strong and not let the Finnish state drive a wedge into the movement.

Other speakers were representatives of the Communist Party of Iran, Communist Alliance of Iraq, Helsinki-based anarchist group A-ryhmä, Boycot Turkey campaign, and Paavo Arhinmäki of Left Alliance, as well as human rights activists Gashaw Bilbani and Paco Diop.

The protestors demanded that Finland not allow any kinds of arms export to Turkey, neither criminalise nor extradite Kurdish activists or deport asylum seekers to Turkey, but instead called on the Finnish government to reaffirm its position on the side of democratic movements and human rights.

The demonstrators marched through the center of Helsinki following the drumming of the Rhytms of Resistance group, and demanded the delisting of the PKK. 

The protest ended with Kurdish music and dancing on the steps of the senate square with good energy and vows to continue the struggle.