The protest action at the Sêmalka border crossing between Rojava and Southern Kurdistan continues. Since the beginning of October, relatives of those killed have been demanding the handover of the bodies of guerrilla fighters who died in an ambush by special forces of Barzani’s party, KDP, in August. Two of the fallen guerrillas were from north-east Syria and their relatives want to bury them with dignity. This is the only demand of the protest that has been going on for two and a half months.

Mothers of the martyrs have tried several times in vain to cross the bridge over the Tigris River to demand the bodies of their children in Southern Kurdistan. Last Wednesday, youth activists were attacked by KDP security forces on the bridge over the border. The next day, the Faysh Khabur (kr: Peşxabur) crossing was closed by the KDP without notice. Yesterday, the KDP announced closing the Al-Waleed border crossing between South Kurdistan and Rojava (Northern Syria).

Members of the Girkê Legê Martyrs' Families Assembly paid a visit to the protest today, welcomed by the Zirgan group which carries out the action.

'PROUD OF MY BROTHER'

Newaz İbrahim, brother of Yusuf İbrahim (Serdem Cûdî), one of the guerrillas killed in the KDP ambush, delivered a speech. İbrahim stated that their only demand is to receive the bodies of their martyrs. “We want our martyrs. If we do not get the bodies, we will be longing for our martyrs for a lifetime. Martyr Serdem was the youngest of our family. Me and my siblings, our whole family keeps shedding tears for him,” he said.

İbrahim noted that relations between Rojava (West) and Bashur (South) can be mended if the bodies of martyrs are handed over. İbrahim concluded his speech by emphasising that they are honoured by the martyrdom of his brother.

After the speech, the activists and visitors chanted the slogan "Şehîd Namirin" (Martyrs are immortal).