On Saturday around 100 people attended a panel discussion on Rojava in Frankfurt.

One of the speakers, Sinem Mohammed, emphasised that the war in Syria has turned into a confessional conflict between Sunnis and Shi'as, adding: "As Kurds we are not opposed to these sects, and nor do we want to fight them. From the outset we have wanted a democratic Syria, with democratic autonomy within which all peoples will be able to live."

The world has not seen this massacre
Mohammed stressed that Turkey wished to eliminate the gains made by the people in Rojava by supporting Al Nusrat gangs, which were targeting Kurdish civilians. She added: "Many of our people have been taken hostage and had their throats cut by these gangs. Women and children have been slaughtered and houses looted. Fatwas have been issued by mosques calling for the rape of our women and children. But unfortunately the world has not seen this. While defending themselves many of our fighters and people have died. And it is a painful reality that these jihadis are not Syrian, but come from Tunisia, Libya and in particular from Europe. Many of those captured have been found to possess European identity documents."

3 women's academies
Mohammed spoke about the role of women in the revolution in Rojava, saying women were not only involved in the political sphere, but were also involved in the economic and military fields, adding: "In all social commissions there is 50% representation of women. Women are also involved in diplomacy. We now have 3 women's academies, where women receive special education. We have created a co-chairperson system whereby there is equal representation in all committees and organisations."
Sinem Mohammed also mentioned the subject of 'Geneva 2', saying anti-Kurdish forces did not want the Kurds included at this conference. She continued: "A hundred years ago the Kurds lost at conferences, but things have changed. We wish to participate at this conference with our own identity."