CRY FREEDOM.net
Welcome to cryfreedom.net,
formerly known as Womens
Liberation Front.
A website
that hopes to draw and keeps your attention for both the global 21th. century 3rd. feminist revolution as well
as especially for the Zan, Zendegi, Azadi uprising in Iran and the
struggles of our sisters in other parts of the Middle East. This online magazine
that started December 2019 will
be published every week. Thank you for your time and interest.
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October 2 - September 27 -- September 26 - 22 -- September 21 - 14 -- 15 - 4 Sept. -- August 31 - July 5, 2023
(Updates September 26,
2023)
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When one hurts or kills a women
one hurts or kills hummanity and is an antrocitie.
Gino d'Artali
and: My mother (1931-1997) always said to me <Mi
figlio, non esistono notizie <vecchie> perche puoi imparare qualcosa da
qualsiasi notizia.> Translated: <My son, there is no such thing as so
called 'old' news because you can learn something from any news.>
Gianna d'Artali.
Jinha - Womens News Agency - September 28, 2023
<<Women's rights activist Julia Parsi arrested by Taliban
News Center The Powerful Afghan Women's Movement has announced that
Afghan women's rights activist Julia Parsi and her son were arrested by
the Taliban's secret police, known as the General Directorate of
Intelligence. According to local reports, the Taliban's secret police
raided her home and violently arrested her and her son after searching
her home. The reports also said that the Taliban secret police
confiscated the activist's personal belongings and documents. Julia
Parsi and her son were taken to an unknown location.
'The Taliban aim to silence the voices of Afghan women'
The Powerful Afghan Women's Movement has released a statement condemning
the arrest of Julia Parsi. <The Taliban aims to silence the voices of
millions of Afghan women by arresting Julia Parsi and other women
activists. The violent arrest of women is a violation of human rights,>
the statement said. On September 19, 2023, the Taliban arrested Neda
Parwani, a member of the <Spontaneous Women's Movement of Afghanistan>,
along with her husband and four-year-old son from her house in Khair
Khana area of Kabul. They are still held in Taliban prison.>>
Source:
https://jinhaagency1.com/en/actual/women-s-rights-activist-julia-parsi-arrested-by-taliban-33917?page=1
Jinha - Womens News Agency - September 27, 2023
<<Kurdish politician Selma Irmak sentenced to four years and two months
in prison
News Center- The final hearing of the trial against Selma Irmak, former
member of the parliament of Turkey for the Peoples' Democratic Party
(HDP) on charges of <insulting the President> and <publicly humiliating
the government> was held by the Diyarbakır 9th Criminal Court of First
Instance.
Selma Irmak's lawyers demanded the acquittal of their client; however,
the court has sentenced Selma Irmak to one year and three months on
charges of <publicly humiliating the government> and to two years and 11
months on charges of <insulting the President>. Kurdish politician Selma
Irmak has been sentenced to a total of four years and two months in
prison.>>
Source:
https://jinhaagency1.com/en/actual/kurdish-politician-selma-irmak-sentenced-to-four-years-and-two-months-in-prison-33911
Jinha - Womens News Agency - September 26, 2023 - by PELİN OZKAPTAN
<<Saturday Mothers resist: The aim of the state is to cover up its
crimes
İstanbul- The sit-in protest held by Saturday Mothers every Saturday at
Galatasaray Square to ask the whereabouts of their disappeared relatives
and demand the prosecution of the perpetrators was banned on its 700th
week by former Justice Minister Suleyman Soylu. Although Turkey's
Constitutional Court (AYM) has ruled twice that the ban on the sit-in is
a violation of freedom of assembly, police keep attacking and detaining
Saturday Mothers/People whenever they try to gather at the square. In an
interview with NuJINHA, Besna Tosun, one of the Saturday Mothers/People,
commented on the ban, how the Galatasaray Square is important and the
policies of the state from the 90s to today.
'The aim of the state is to cover up its crimes'
Besna Tosun's father Fehmi Tosun was detained in Istanbul in 1995 and
subsequently disappeared in police custody. Besna Tosun has asked the
whereabouts of her father since then. <We, as Saturday Mothers, have
revealed the crimes committed by the state and made them visible. The
aim of the state is, of course, to silence us and cover up its crimes,>
she said.
'Committing crimes becomes a tradition for the state'
Noting that each ruling party targets them, she added, <The reason why
they attack us is known. Because we always say that forced disappearance
in custody is a crime against humanity. Therefore, this crime continues
until the disappeared are found and those who caused the forced
disappearance stand trial. The AKP government is also a party to this
crime because it ignores this crime, covers it up, and leaves the
perpetrators unpunished. Each ruling party targets us because we refuse
to keep silent, we keep struggling. Committing crimes becomes a
tradition for the state.>
'We knew that Turkey was not a state of law'
In her speech, Besna Tosun stated that the rights violations were
committed not only against the Saturday Mothers but also against many
groups in the country. <We see that Turkey is not a state of law. Turkey
has ignored the decisions of the ECHR and its Constitutional Court many
times.> Besna Tosun also talked about their legal struggle as follows:
<When our sit-in was banned on its 700th week, we took legal steps.
After five years, the AYM ruled twice that the ban on the sit-in is a
violation of freedom of assembly. After this decision, we held a press
conference and called on the authorities to lift the ban. Before
gathering at Galatasaray Square, we requested a meeting with the
governor's office, district governor's office and the Minister of
Interior; however, we received no response. Then, we decided to gather
at the square on April 8. Before gathering at the square, we had known
that we would face obstacles because we knew that Turkey was not a state
of law. For 22 weeks, we have taken to the streets to demand the
implementation of the decision of the Constitutional Court; however, we
have been subjected to police violence every week. Although we commit no
crime, we are battered and face mistreatment by police every week.> We
asked Besna Tosun what has changed since the 90s when thousands
disappeared and more were killed by unknown persons. <Only methods have
changed,> she told us. Commenting on the families who have been recently
given their relatives’ bones in boxes, Besna Tosun said, <This is
disrespectful to the dead.> <Our relatives disappeared in police
custody, they punished us over our relatives. They target us because we
struggle against this policy. They target us because we do not keep
silent. Delivering dead bodies in boxes is a way to punish their
families.>
'We face a state that does not recognize law'
<Imagine a mother, whose son left home alive in the morning. 20 years
later, she is given a box and told, 'This is your son'. In the past, our
relatives disappeared in police custody, today families are given their
relatives’ bones in boxes. Now, they are more professional in committing
crimes. People are not disappeared in custody but they are subjected to
torture in custody. For instance, Gokhan Güneş, a member of the ESP
(Socialist Party of the Oppressed) was kidnapped by police and no
information was received from him for days. Thanks to the efforts of his
friends and the Human Rights Association, he was found. He had been
subjected to torture in custody for days. Now, we face a state that does
not recognize law.>
'The aim is to silence society'
Besna Tosun thinks the recent policies aim to silence society. <They aim
to scare and silence society by carrying out these policies. People are
told, 'If you oppose, you will face these'. When one person disappears,
hundreds, parents, relatives and friends, become victims.>
'Many mothers see Galatasaray as the grave of their children'
Speaking about why Galatasaray square is important for them, Besna Tosun
said,<They do not want to understand how Galatasaray Square is
important. But they are aware that it is actually a place of memoryA
square in the heart of Istanbul has been under a 24/7 police blockade
for five years. This is terrible. However, they are not aware that they
make that memory visible by doing this. We are told, <Why do you hold
your protest here, go and hold your protest somewhere else. Many mothers
see the Galatasaray Square as the grave of their children. That's why
they gather there every week. Therefore, saying 'give up on this square'
means 'give up on your loved ones'. We will not give up on this square
and our loved ones.> >>
Source:
https://jinhaagency1.com/en/actual/saturday-mothers-resist-the-aim-of-the-state-is-to-cover-up-its-crimes-33899?page=1
Jinha - Womens News Agency - September 26, 2023 - by NAGHAM KARAJEH
<<Palestinian women excluded from politics
Gaza- Women's organizations in Palestine make great efforts for women's
political participation, to make women more visible and increase
political parties' quotas for women. Although Palestinian women are
determined to be more active in politics, they are prevented due to
social pressures. Political activist Rania Al-Louh thinks Palestinian
women are under-represented in politics and in decision-making
positions. We demand the role of women in politics be recognized since
they have struggled and made sacrifices for years. Their efforts, their
capacities and performance in politics must be recognized and respected.
However, we have received no response to our demands from the
Palestinian leaders and parties. Palestinian women still face obstacles
while climbing the ladder to get decision-making positions.> Rania Al-Louh
thinks women's political activities must be supported. <In 2018, the
rate of women holding decision-making positions in government structures
was 30%. The political parties claim that they defend women's freedom
and that they know how women's role in politics is important; however,
they do not have even a woman in decision-making positions.> Talking
about after the Battle of Gaza in 2007, she said, <We witnessed many
reconciliation attempts led by men, but there was an active intervention
of feminist political figures as mediators between the two parties.
Women took serious steps in achieving social reconciliation among the
concerned parties. Their active role in reconciliation talks proves how
they are strong in reform and reconciliation processes. The presence of
women in decision-making positions strengthens feminist issues and
serves public interests.> Rania Al-Louh believes that insufficient
women's political participation has a negative impact on political
dialogue processes. Women are discriminated against by authorities.
Women are openly excluded from reconciliation talks. Only two women,
Magda al-Masry and Zahira Kamal, participated in the previous
reconciliation talks.?> >>
Source inc. video:
https://jinhaagency1.com/en/actual/palestinian-women-excluded-from-politics-33901?page=1
Jinha - Womens News Agency - September 26, 2023
<<Afghan journalist Lailuma Sadid honored with Henri La Fontaine
International Prize for Humanism
News Center- Afghan journalist and women's rights activist Lailuma Sadid
has been honored with the prestigious Henri La Fontaine International
Prize for Humanism in Belgium for her exceptional efforts in championing
human rights and women's rights. The award ceremony was held at the City
Hall of Brussels with the participation of numerous political figures,
members of parliament, and representatives from a wide spectrum of
political parties. Henri La Fontaine was the first socialist to be
awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He held a doctorate in law, and in the
Belgian parliament took a special interest in social policy and foreign
affairs. The Henri La Fontaine International Prize for Humanism rewards
every two year a person, institution or association for contributing
significantly to the defense, transmission and actualization of the
values defended by Henri La Fontaine, such as humanism, social justice,
feminism and free thinking>>
Source:
https://jinhaagency1.com/en/actual/afghan-journalist-lailuma-sadid-honored-with-henri-la-fontaine-international-prize-for-humanism-33903
Jinha - Womens News Agency - September 25, 2023 - By ASMAA FATHI
<<Nevin Obaid: Gender equality is the solution for violations committed
against women
Cairo- Egyptian women are subjected to many rights violations despite
the efforts of the NGOs, individuals and governments to reduce them
because women are most vulnerable to crises, clashes and wars. NuJINHA
spoke to Nevin Obaid, the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the New
Woman Foundation (NWF) and researcher on gender studies, about rights
violations committed against Egyptian women. One of the rights
violations faced by Egyptian women and girls is the Female Genital
Mutilation (FGM). Although the FGM is banned in Egypt, it is still
practiced in country, especially in rural areas. The NWF is an Egyptian
feminist non-governmental organization, established in 1984. Speaking
about the activities and works of the foundation, Nevin Obaid said, <We
have a long history. The new generation of the foundation participates
in decision-making positions and this is a positive thing. Two years
ago, we began to support centers in order to provide legal support to
women and girls. We have held workshops for NGOs and government agencies
for the ratification of the ILO's Convention 190. We recently obtained
consultative status from the United Nations, which will increase our
capacity to influence the international community. We have great
experience in working on shadow reports, CEDAW, and other reports. I
believe that next year, we will promote human rights more and present
more alternatives about public policies.> The foundation has carried out
many projects, especially on combating violence against women. <We have
carried out many awareness-raising activities for the ratification of
the ILO's Convention 190 to eliminate violence and harassment in the
world of work. We have supported centers so that we provide legal,
psychological and social support to survivors of violence and
harassment,> Nevin Obaid said.
'FGM is still practiced'
The foundation works in coordination with other women's organizations,
NGOs and unions to combat violence against women and girls. The
foundation also carries out awareness-raising activities against FGM.
Egypt has toughened penalties for female genital mutilation; however, it
is still widely practiced throughout Egypt, especially rural areas. In
her speech, Nevin Obaid said, <Some doctors still perform FGM. Although
their clinics are known to everyone, no step has been taken to stop
them. Because the roots of this phenomenon stem from the inequality
between men and women in society. We believe that gender equality is the
solution for violations committed against women and girls> >>
Source incl. video:
https://jinhaagency1.com/en/actual/nevin-obaid-gender-equality-is-the-solution-for-violations-committed-against-women-33895?page=1
Jinha - Womens News Agency - September 25, 2023
<<Thousands marching in Qamishlo demand freedom for Abdullah Ocalan
Qamishlo- On September 9, the Cizir Region People's Initiative started a
tent protest in Qamishlo against the isolation imposed by the Turkish
state on Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan in Imrali. The tent protest
ended yesterday with a march. Thousands attending the march demanded
freedom for Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan. In an interview with NuJINHA,
Aida Xalil, one of the people attending the march, condemned the
isolation imposed on Abdullah Ocalan and said, <The Turkish state has
imposed an aggravated isolation on our leader. It does not allow his
lawyers and family members to visit him. We will not keep silent against
the policies of the Turkish state and its attacks on our region.
Abdullah Ocalan defends peace, the unity and fraternity of people. For
this reason, we demand the lift of the isolation imposed on him and his
freedom.>
'We will keep demanding his freedom'
Atiya Muhammad, another woman who attended the march, said, <The Turkish
state aims to break our will by imposing an aggravated isolation on our
leader Abdullah Ocalan. As the women of Qamishlo, we will keep demanding
his freedom. Today, the 'Jin, Jiyan, Azadi' slogan has been echoing all
around the world thanks to the ideology and the philosophy of Abdullah
Ocalan.> >>
Source incl. video:
https://jinhaagency1.com/en/actual/thousands-marching-in-qamishlo-demand-freedom-for-abdullah-Ocalan-33898
Jinha - Womens News Agency - September 25, 2023 - By ROCHELLE JUNIOR
<<Women of Sweida keep demanding change of system
Sweida- On 17 August 2023, peaceful protests erupted in the Druze
majority city of Sweida over the high inflation rate and deteriorating
economic situation in Syria. In the second months of the protests,
hundreds gathered at the Karama Square to demand the change of the
regime and the implementation of United Nations Security Council
Resolution 2254 to end the 12-year-old Syrian crisis. Rima Ezzi, one of
the protesters, told NuJINHA that they demanded the change of the
regime. She said, <People have many reasons for participating in the
protests. Forcibly displacement, poverty, and dictatorial regime are
some of these reasons. We want to overthrow Bashar al-Assad's regime. We
demand the change of the regime. We demand the same things that all
women in Syria demand. We demand a free life with dignity.> >>
Source incl. video:
https://jinhaagency1.com/en/actual/women-of-sweida-keep-demanding-change-of-system-33894
Jinha - Womens News Agency - September 22, 2023 - By HANAN HARITE
<<Art is a tool to raise awareness and fight violence against women'
Morocco- The Tahadi Association for Equality and Citizenship (ATEC) has
carried out awareness-raising activities through art about gender-based
violence for four years. As part of the <Stop Digital Violence>
campaign, the association shot a short film named <Al-Nashba (The Trap)>
telling the story of a woman, who is threatened and blackmailed by a man
on social media platforms. Bushra Abdo, the head of the ATEC, thinks
that art is an important tool to raise awareness and highlight problems
faced by women.
'Art guides and gives advice'
Emphasizing that visual arts such as cinema have a serious impact on
society, she said:
<You can address the public more quickly through art. We should use art
against discrimination, injustice, violence and racism. Films can give
messages against all kinds of violence because art guides and gives
advice. For instance, when we talk about movies on women's issues, we
see that the audience definitely understands the messages that are aimed
to be given. When we raise awareness, human values in society will be
revealed. Then, violence against women and girls will be rejected in
society.>
'Art is an effective window'
Bushra Abdo thinks their society needs artists who will fight against
gender-based violence and raise public awareness. <There is a need for
artistic works that serve the women’s struggle and raise public
awareness. Awareness must be raised against all forms of gender-based
violence. At schools, students must be educated against gender-based
violence. We want art to be an effective window in addressing women's
issues and defending women's rights.> >>
Source incl. video:
https://jinhaagency1.com/en/actual/art-is-a-tool-to-raise-awareness-and-fight-violence-against-women-33889?page=1
Jinha - Womens News Agency - September 22, 2023 - By NORŞIN ABDİ
<<'The popular movement in Sweida is the continuation of the July 19
Revolution'
Kobane - On 17 August 2023, peaceful protests erupted in the Druze
majority city of Sweida over the high inflation rate and deteriorating
economic situation in Syria. The protests continue on their fifth week.
Gathering at the Karama Square, the protesters demand the change of the
government.
In an interview with NuJINHA, Mizgin Xelil, member of the AANES
Executive Council, said that the popular movement in Sweida is the
continuation of the July 19 Revolution. <The uprisings and protests that
took place in the Middle East are called 'Arab Spring'. The Arab Spring
that started in Egypt and Libya after Tunisia brought hope with it.
However, the people’s search for democracy and freedom did not yield
results in the Middle East. In 2011, a revolution started in Syria;
however, foreign interventions turned this revolution into a crisis in
Syria. Kurdish people were also affected by the Arab Spring, which is
called, <Peoples' Spring> by Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan. Thus, the
July Revolution started,> she told us.
'The July 19 Revolution is one of the most important gains'
<The Kurdish people are not the only nation that demands freedom in the
Middle East,> Mizgin Xelil said, <Throughout history; people from many
nationalities have demanded freedom, equality and democracy against
capitalist, authoritarian and fascist regimes. You can see this in Iraq
and Afghanistan. The Kurdish people in Rojava have achieved many gains
and the July 19 Revolution is one of the most important gains. The
system in the region includes people from all regions and
nationalities.>
'They caused the crisis'
Speaking about the intervention of foreign actors in Syria and their
role in deepening the crisis, she said, <May foreign actors have
interfered in this crisis under the pretext that they wanted to find a
solution to the Syrian crisis. However, their interference has been
deepening the crisis instead of resolving it because authoritarian and
capitalist countries caused the crisis and they do not want to resolve
this crisis. They never aim to resolve the Syrian crisis; they only act
according to their own interests.>
'The AANES plays a key role in resolution of the Syrian crisis'
Mizgin Xelil thinks that the Syrian crisis cannot be solved without the
Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). <Until now,
many meetings have been held in Astana, Sochi and Geneva to resolve the
crisis. They cannot resolve this crisis without the participation of the
people of Syria, especially the AANES. Since they know that the system
of the AANES is the ideal solution to the Syrian crisis, they accuse the
administration of aiming to divide Syria. For this reason, they do not
invite the members of the AANES to the meetings. But everyone knows that
the Autonomous Administration is a part of Syrian territory and has the
power to resolve the crisis. We will resolve the crisis and build a free
Syria.> Speaking about the peaceful protests in Sweida, she said, <The
popular movement in Sweida is the continuation of the July 19
Revolution. In mid-August, a popular movement was started in Sweida by
the Druze, who have a rich culture and history. The culture of the Druze
and the Kurdish people is similar and this allows them to be in
solidarity with each other. Their stance against injustice and
authoritarianism is an important step for all people of Syria. As the
AANES, we support them and we are in solidarity with them. The banners
held by the protesters and slogans chanted by them demand the unity of
all people in Syria and the construction of a pluralistic Syria with a
decentralized system. The struggle and revolution of women in North and
East Syria encourage the women of Sweida to take to the streets and
demand freedom. They unfurled banners to be in solidarity with the
people of Afrin. As the people and women of Syria, we will keep
struggling against capitalist, authoritarian and fascist regimes to
build a system based on democracy and equality.> >>
Source incl. video:
https://jinhaagency1.com/en/actual/the-popular-movement-in-sweida-is-the-continuation-of-the-july-19-revolution-33891
Liberation Front 2019/cryfreedom.net 2023