Guerrillas from the Free Women’s Troops (YJA Star) spoke to ANF on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the death of ARGK guerrilla fighter Beritan (Gülnaz Karataş). Bêrîtan Hêvî was a guerrilla commander and pioneer of the Women's Army who threw herself into an abyss in Southern Kurdistan (Northern Iraq) on 25 October 1992 to avoid falling into the hands of the KDP, which collaborated with Turkey.  

Because of her exceptional courage and her passionate character, Beritan became a historical figure for the Kurds. Songs were written and innumerable newborns were named after her. Her life was portrayed in the movie “Beritan” by Kurdish director Halil Dag in 2006.

YJA Star guerrilla Zelal Mêrdîn said that Bêrîtan Hêvî was a symbol of freedom, stating: “Comrade Bêrîtan’s action had repercussions everywhere and left a lasting impression on our people. Her name is still legendary among the people. Her action became a voice against treason. Influenced by Comrade Bêrîtan’s action, those who betrayed their roots and people laid down their weapons. Comrade Bêrîtan defeated the line of betrayal and opened a new page in the history of Kurdistan.”

Zelal Mêrdîn pointed out that thousands of guerrillas are today inflicting blows on the enemy in the spirit of Bêrîtan Hêvî today. She continued: “We are resisting the Turkish state which persists in invading the lands of Kurdistan, which, we, however, will never leave to the occupiers. The followers of the KDP’s course of betrayal should know that we will continue our actions against the invading Turkish state. On the other hand, the Turkish state should know that its collaboration with the KDP will achieve no results because the sacrificial fighters of Leader Apo (Abdullah Öcalan) are committed to their cause for freedom.”

YJA Star gerillası Bêrîtan Serhat stated: “Comrade Bêrîtan’s action had a broad repercussion because it did not only defy the limits of courage and sacrifice, but also played a major role on the path of women’s freedom. Comrade Bêrîtan was new in the organization, but she developed herself very quickly and proved her commitment. Knowing Comrade Bêrîtan is knowing the reality of women. This was also the reason why I joined the struggle. I was impressed a lot when I watched the film about her. We considered Comrade Bêrîtan to be a pioneer and that led me to the ranks of the struggle for freedom.”

Serhat continued: “The struggle of women reached a peak thanks to Comrade Bêrîtan. As her successors, we will arry our resistance to the highest level.”

Dîcle Efrîn said: “It is thanks to Comrade Bêrîtan that the women’s army and the will of women emerged. She did not exert an influence on the women’s struggle within the PKK alone. She was also the source of inspiration to the oppressed women in social sphere. Comrade Bêrîtan played the greatest role in the struggle of women. She manifested a stand and gave a message against betrayal. She is the most concrete example of the resistance of free women.”

Dîcle Efrîn continued: “Our resistance takes its basis from Comrade Bêrîtan. We will consolidate the army of women, the foundations of which were laid by her. We call on everyone to get to know Comrade Bêrîtan, to take her commitment and will as an example and to take a stand against betrayal. Our stance is clear. We will make no concessions on our struggle against betrayal and the invading Turkish state.”