CRY FREEDOM.net
formerly known as
Women's Liberation Front
'Insight is the first step of resistance against any ideologic form of dictatorial and misogynistic oppression'
and
'Freedom is like a bird
that nests in ones' soul'

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 2 days. Thank you for your time and interest. 
Gino d'Artali
indept investigative journalist
radical feminist and women's rights activist 

'WOMEN, LIFE, FREEDOM'


You are now at the section on what is happening in the rest of the Middle east
(Updates Feb. 17, 2025)
 
For the Iran 'Woman, Life, Freedom' Iran   
Updates February 15, 2025

2025: Feb Wk3P2 -- Feb-wk3-and wk2P3 -- Feb wk2P2 -- Feb wk2 --  Feb wk1P2 -- Feb wk1 -- Jan wk4 -- Jan Wk 3 -- Jan wk2
2024: Dec wk2 -- Dec wk1P2 -- Dec wk1
Click here for an overview of the Women's Arab Spring Revolt 1.2 2024 and 2023

 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.

YPJ The Women’s Protection Units fighters


9 women, girls kidnapped
Jinha - Womens News Agency - February 17, 2025
<<9 women, girls kidnapped in Syria since beginning of February
Nine women and girls were kidnapped in different areas of Syria in the first half of February, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported on Sunday.
News Center-Syria has been suffering from a serious security crisis since the start of the civil war and the fall of the Assad regime. At least nine women and girls were kidnapped or went missing in different areas of Syria between February 1 and February 15, 2025, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a Britain-based monitoring group, reported on Sunday. The monitoring groups also prepared a list of the kidnapped women and girls. The list is a follows:
February 1: A young woman from the Jableh countryside was kidnapped, while she was heading to Jableh city.
February 1: A young woman from Safita was kidnapped, shortly after having left the grocery store in the evening.
February 2: A young woman from Jaramana in RIf Dimashq went missing, while she was heading to Damascus University.
February 3: A minor girl went missing in Homs countryside, while she was heading to buy bread.
February 3: A young woman from Al-Nayrab camp in Aleppo was kidnapped, while she was heading to the university.
February: 4: A woman from Jabourin village went missing, after having stepped out from a minibus in Homs city.
February 8: Communication was lost with a girl near Al-Huda pharmacy in Homs.
February 13: A student in the Faculty of Arts at Damascus University was kidnapped, while she was heading from the university towards Al-Muwasah hospital.
February 15: A Palestinian student went missing, while she was heading to register her name in 9th grade. The girl's family reported that the girl was kidnapped and the kidnappers asked for a ransom for her release.>>
Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/9-women-girls-kidnapped-in-syria-since-beginning-of-february-36557?page=1


Deniz Derya
Jinha - Womens News Agency - February 17, 2025 - by RAMA HALAF
<<Lawyer in Damascus: Religion must be separated from politics in Syria
The changes to the school curriculum by the transitional government led by HTS pose a threat to the future of an entire generation, said lawyer Alaa Al-Hayek, highlighting, “Religion must be separated from politics in Syria.”
Damascus- Following the fall of the Assad regime, a new transitional government led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) was formed in Syria. In the beginning of January 2025, the government published a list of amendments in school curriculum, sparking anger in the country. Alaa Al-Hayek, a lawyer in Damascus, thinks the changes to the school curriculum pose a threat to the future of an entire generation. “These changes raise concern in society. Many of the changes are unnecessary. The removal of the content glorifying the Assad family would have been sufficient. The removal of information about Syria’s rich history is unacceptable.” Alaa Al-Hayek also talked about other changes to the school curriculum. “For instance, references to the pre-Islamic queen of the ancient city of Palmyra, Queen Zenobia, have also been removed. The changes include the phrase ‘the brave one who defends the homeland’ to ‘for the sake of Allah’. These changes pose a threat to the future of an entire generation. At such a critical process, religion must be separated from politics in Syria.”
‘Women face restrictions’
Alaa Al-Hayek reacted to the removal of Queen Zenobia in the school curriculum and said, “The removal of her name has sparked anger among human rights activists. They think that this move is an attempt to underestimate the role of women in society. In some regions, women face restrictions on their clothing and going out alone.”>>
Video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/lawyer-in-damascus-religion-must-be-separated-from-politics-in-syria-36559?page=1

Medyanews - 15 Feb 2025
<<Memorial to killed Kurdish journalists destroyed by alleged Turkish intelligence agents
On 12 February 2025, Roj News Agency reported that memorial portraits of Kurdish journalists Gulîstan Tara and Hêro Bahadîn were destroyed in Sayd Sadegh, Sulaymaniyah, by individuals believed to be linked to Turkish intelligence.
On the night of 11 February 2025, the portraits of two Kurdish women journalists, Gulîstan Tara and Hêro Bahadîn, were vandalised in Sayd Sadegh, Sulaymaniyah (Silêmanî), in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). The destruction of their images, which had been erected in their memory, was attributed to agents allegedly connected with Turkish intelligence (MIT), according to Roj News Agency. Tara and Bahadîn were tragically killed on 23 August 2024, when a Turkish drone strike targeted the area, resulting in their deaths. Their killing, along with others injured in the attack, shocked the Kurdish community and the wider journalistic world. In the aftermath, local journalists and civil activists petitioned the regional governor to honour the two women by renaming the highway where they were killed and installing a memorial image at the site. The governor approved the request, and the highway was renamed in their memory. A ceremony, attended by journalists, civil activists, and members of the Chatr Press Company—where both Tara and Bahadîn had worked—commemorated their lives and work. However, just months after the memorial was established, the portraits of Tara and Bahadîn were destroyed by suspected Turkish intelligence agents. This act of vandalism has sparked outrage, yet the mayor of Sayd Sadegh, Reza Ismail, has yet to respond publicly. The Women Free Journalists of the KRI condemned the destruction, calling it a “fascist attempt to undermine the struggle of women in free press and communication.” They demanded that the perpetrators be held accountable and called on journalists—especially women—to unite in the face of such attacks, strengthening the fight for free media and the truth. Zana Ali, a civil activist who had been involved in advocating for the memorial, also condemned the act. She urged security officials from the Kurdistan Regional Government to identify and bring the culprits to justice. The destruction of the memorial serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by journalists in the region. The Turkish government’s oppressive policies, compounded by the lack of sovereignty in Iraqi Kurdistan, continue to endanger both journalists and civilians, silencing voices of resistance and freedom of press.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/memorial-to-killed-kurdish-journalists-destroyed-by-alleged-turkish-intelligence-agents/

Jinha - Womens News Agency - February 14, 2025
<<One woman killed, two other civilians injured in Turkish shelling of Zirgan
One woman was killed and two other civilians were injured in the Turkish shelling of a village of Zirgan (Abu Rasin), a town in northeast Syria, on Friday morning.
News Center- The Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions continue to target civilians in North and East Syria, killing and injuring many civilians and destroying civilian properties. One woman identified as Rahima Sabri was killed and two other civilians, identified as Nasr al-Din Hassan Sabri and Ahmed Hassan Sabri, were injured in the Turkish shelling of a village of Zirgan (Abu Rasin), a town in northeast Syria, on Friday morning.>>
Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/one-woman-killed-two-other-civilians-injured-in-turkish-shelling-of-zirgan-36550?page=1

Jinha - Womens News Agency - February 14, 2025
<<Iraqi President ratifies three controversial laws
Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid ratified three controversial laws; the General Amnesty Law, the Return of Property to Owners Law, and amendments to the Personal Status Law, On Thursday.
Iraq- Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid ratified three controversial laws; the General Amnesty Law, the Return of Property to Owners Law, and amendments to the Personal Status Law, On Thursday. The laws will come into force when they are published in the official gazette. The General Amnesty Law includes provisions that may result in the perpetrators of the crimes committed against the Yazidis by ISIS escaping justice. The amended personal status law gives Islamic courts increased authority over family issues, including marriage, divorce and inheritance, and allows clerics to rule according to their interpretation of Islamic law. On January 21, 2025, the Iraqi parliament approved three controversial laws. On February 3, Iraq’s Federal Court on Tuesday temporarily suspended the implementation of the three laws. On Tuesday, Iraq's Federal Court ruled that the laws did not violate the constitution.>>
Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/iraqi-president-ratifies-three-controversial-laws-36549?page=1


Deniz Derya
Jinha - Womens News Agency - February 14, 2025 - HEWRÎN CENGAWER
<<KJAR member Deniz Derya: The ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’ revolution is the beginning of a new path
“Our goal is to have a democratic Iran, where everyone lives freely,” said Deniz Derya, coordinating member of the KJAR, stressing that the “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” revolution is the beginning of a new path.
News Center- Women are at the forefront of the struggle for freedom in Iran despite the intensified repression of the regime. Although the Iranian regime uses the judiciary as a tool of repression and fear to control society, the people, particularly women, are determined to maintain their struggle for freedom. NuJINHA interviewed Deniz Derya, coordinating member of the East Kurdistan Free Women Society (KJAR), about the recent situation in Iran and Rojhelat Kurdistan (Eastern Kurdistan or Iranian Kurdistan). At the beginning of her speech, Deniz Derya drew attention to the struggle of Pakhshan Azizi, Verisheh (Warisha) Moradi, also known as Ciwana Sine, and Zeynab Jalalian, three Kurdish political prisoners in Iran. “They have shown exemplary resistance against the oppressive system.” Deniz Derya thinks that the Iranian government attacks women out of fear because it knows that women play an important role in social change. “The death sentences handed down to Pakhshan Azizi, Warisha Moradi and other political prisoners show that the regime is afraid of revolutionary women.”
‘The family has become a ‘micro-state’ in Iran’
The Iranian regime, which has a patriarchal mindset, uses the institution of family, judiciary and social culture as tools to control women, stressed Deniz Derya. “The Iranian regime aims to oppress women by using its judicial system, the institution of family, tribes and ‘honor’. Due to this oppressive system, women are killed, subjected to all forms of violence and rape. Most of these crimes are not reported. Actually, the family has become a ‘micro-state’ in Iran to oppress women.”
PJAK and KJAR fight inequality
The Kurdistan Free Life Party (Kurdish: Partiya Jiyana Azad a Kurdistanê, PJAK) and the East Kurdistan Free Women Society (KJAR) fight inequality and oppression, Deniz Derya said. “The oppressive policies of the Iranian regime target all people demanding freedom. The struggle against the nation-state system is a global struggle. As PJAK and KJAR, we always struggle against centralism and patriarchy. Our aim is to build a system based on freedom and justice with the participation of all people.”
‘The Iranian regime has intensified its oppressive policies’
Deniz Derya defined the recent conflicts and wars in the Middle East and said, “The Third World War has affected all countries in the Middle East, causing systemic crises in Iran. The Iranian regime has intensified its oppressive policies instead of finding a solution to the economic crisis, social and cultural problems.”
‘The ‘Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’ revolution is the beginning of a new path’
Deniz Derya believes that the “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî’ revolution is the beginning of a new path. “This revolution is not only an uprising but also a way to change society and get rid of the oppressive nation-state system.” Deniz Derya concluded her speech saying, “The KJAR and the PJAK will keep struggling to build a democratic nation based on freedom and equality. Our goal is to have a democratic Iran, where everyone lives freely. If the Iranian regime does not follow this path, it will definitely collapse.”>>
Video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/kjar-member-deniz-derya-the-jin-jiyan-azadi-revolution-is-the-beginning-of-a-new-path-36548?page=1


Saliha Viyan
Jinha - Womens News Agency - February 14, 2025 - PERWÎN AMARA
<<‘Saliha Viyan left behind a history full of struggle’
“Saliha Viyan left behind a history full of struggle,” said the mother of Heva Al-Arabo, also known as Saliha Viyan who was killed in a Turkish drone strike in Ranya on January 27.
Qamishlo (Qamishli)- The fight of women for freedom of their people made the revolution in Rojava successful. This revolution has also inspired women all over the world. The revolution in North and East Syria (Rojava) is known for the resistance of women, who devote their lives to liberate their region. Heva Al-Arabo, also known as Saliha Viyan, was one of these women. Born to a Kurdish family in 1981, in Dirbêsiye (Al-Darbasiyah), a town of North and East Syria, she dropped out after 8th grade. She was involved in Kurdish political activities when she was only 16. In 2000, she joined the Kurdish Freedom Movement. She made great efforts for women during the revolution in Rojava. As a Kurdish woman, she also played an important role in the liberation of Manbij, Raqqa, Tabqa and Deir ez-Zor. Then, she struggled for the freedom of Arab women. Saliha Viyan was also one of the founders of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, a member of the Women’s Council in the Jazira canton and served as Co-chair of the canton. Then, she became a member of Kongra Star and she was elected as a coordinating member of Kongra Star. Saliha Viyan carried out various activities for women when she was a coordinating member of Kongra Star. On January 27, 2025, a Turkish drone targeted a vehicle in the Ranya town of Sulaymaniyah, killing Saliha Viyan and two other people.
‘My daughter had the spirit of resistance even when she was a child’
“My daughter had the spirit of resistance even when she was a child,” said Zekiyê Erebo, the mother of Saliha Viyan. “My daughter's biggest dream was to join the freedom movement. She was a modest and helpful person. Since we were a patriotic family, many friends (Kurdish fighters) visited us when she was a child. Saliha became happy whenever she saw the friends. One day, I told her to focus on her education. ‘I don’t want to study when I see friends. I want to join them,” she told me.”
‘She was a child with big goals’
Saliha Viyan was a child with big goals, her mother told NuJINHA. “Even before joining the movement, she told me, ‘I feel confident, I can bear the burden.’ She had such energy that she touched everyone's heart and gave strength to everyone. I am proud of her for having chosen this path.”
‘She always stood with women’
Emîne Omer met Saliha Viyan during the establishment of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). “I worked along with comrade Saliha at the Women’s Council. Comrade Saliha always helped her comrades and shared her experiences with her comrades. She was always in high spirits and stood with women.”
‘She spent her life serving the revolution’
Saliha Viyan devoted her entire life to the struggle and freedom of her people, Emîne Omer stressed. “She worked for women in many regions of North and East Syria. She helped and supported all women, especially the women who were subjected to oppression by ISIS in the liberated areas. She made great efforts not only for Kurdish women, but also Arab and Syriac and all women.”
‘We will follow in her footsteps’
Emîne Omer vowed to follow in the footsteps of Saliha Viyan and said, “Comrade Saliha left behind a history full of struggle. Losing such comrades, who sacrificed their lives for the struggle and freedom of the people, makes us sad but we will always follow in their footsteps. We will maintain their struggle for freedom.”>>
Video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/saliha-viyan-left-behind-a-history-full-of-struggle-36546

Medyanews - 13 Feb 2025
<<Turkey’s crackdown on elected mayors condemned by European Parliament, sanctions threatened
The European Parliament has condemned Turkey’s dismissal and arrest of elected mayors, calling it an attack on democracy. Lawmakers demand their immediate reinstatement and threaten diplomatic consequences if Ankara does not comply. The European Parliament (EP) has denounced Turkey’s removal and arrest of elected mayors, warning that the practice undermines democracy and violates fundamental rights. The resolution, backed by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from multiple political groups, calls for the immediate reinstatement of the mayors and urges Turkey to end its system of appointing unelected government trustees in their place. The resolution was introduced on Wednesday by MEPs from the European People’s Party (EPP), Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), Renew Europe (Renew), Greens/European Free Alliance (Verts/ALE), and The Left. Key sponsors include Sebastião Bugalho (EPP), Evin Incir (S&D), Sebastian Tynkkynen (ECR), Malik Azmani (Renew), Vladimir Prebilič (Verts/ALE) and Özlem Demirel (The Left). The cross-party effort highlights growing EU concerns over Ankara’s democratic backsliding. The crackdown has primarily targeted mayors from the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party and the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP). Since the 2024 local elections, at least 10 mayors have been dismissed and replaced with trustees appointed by the Turkish Interior Ministry. Among those affected is Abdullah Zeydan, the elected mayor of Van (Wan), who was removed just days after winning the election in April of 2024, and just three days ago he was sentenced to prison by the Appeal Court. The EP resolution, debated on Wednesday and set for a vote on Thursday, marks a significant shift in EU policy, calling for immediate sanctions against Turkish officials responsible for the dismissals. During the plenary session, multiple MEPs across party lines criticised Ankara’s increasing authoritarianism, warning that the removal of elected mayors and their replacement with government-appointed trustees undermines democratic governance and violates human rights. The resolution, jointly tabled by major EP groups, demands the immediate reinstatement of all dismissed mayors and insists that Turkey align its practices with European legal norms, particularly those of the Council of Europe and the Venice Commission. This is the first time that the European Parliament has called for sanctions against Turkey under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, targeting officials responsible for the crackdown. MEPs explicitly rejected Turkey’s justification that these dismissals are part of an anti-terrorism policy, instead labelling them politically motivated actions designed to silence opposition voices. The trustee system, first introduced after the failed coup attempt of 2016, has been used predominantly against Kurdish-led municipalities.>>
Read more/Video: https://medyanews.net/turkeys-crackdown-on-elected-mayors-condemned-by-european-parliament-sanctions-threatened/

Medyanews - 13 Feb 2025
<<Syrian Kurds to participate in Munich Security Conference for first time
The Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) will take part in the Munich Security Conference for the first time, marking a significant step for Syrian Kurds in international diplomacy. Dr Younes Behram, a Kurdish politician and intellectual, will represent the region. The Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) will also be represented at the conference by President Nechirvan Barzani. The 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC), scheduled from 14 to 16 February 2025, will bring together world leaders, ministers, and security experts to address global security challenges, including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa. Among the Kurdish representatives will be Dr Younes Behram, who will speak on behalf of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), also known as Rojava. Behram is a Kurdish politician and intellectual who leads the Deutsch-Kurdisches Forum e.V. (DKF), an organisation tasked with developing the AANES’s affairs in Germany. Meanwhile, Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), will attend on behalf of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
Speaking to Medya News, Bahram described the participation of the AANES as a historic diplomatic moment:
"Until now, only the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq had representation at this forum. Our participation is a significant step towards ensuring that North and East Syria is part of the global security dialogue. This is a critical opportunity to voice our concerns and push for recognition."
The AANES governs North and East Syria, a region that emerged during the Syrian civil war and is administered under a decentralised, multi-ethnic governance model based on democracy, gender equality, and local self-rule. While not officially recognised by Syria or most international actors, it has direct relations and negotiations with the current interim Syria government, and played a pivotal role in the fight against ISIS, particularly through the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which led ground operations against the group. The region continues to face threats from Turkey, with consistent attacks on AANES territory, as well as ongoing instability due to ISIS sleeper cells and the humanitarian crisis at al-Hol camp. Dr Bahram will take part in a roundtable discussion at the European Parliament Liaison Office in Munich on 14 February, titled “Zeitenwende in Nahost: Lage und Perspektiven unter neuer US-Administration und neuer EU-Kommission” (Turning Point in the Middle East: Situation and Perspectives under the New US Administration and EU Commission). The session, co-organised by the Hanns-Seidel Foundation and the German Orient Institute, will focus on the security situation in the Middle East, particularly Syria’s political future, Iran’s growing influence, and NATO and EU strategies in the region. Bahram said that his participation would bring Rojava’s position to the table, covering topics such as the governance system of the AANES, security challenges posed by ISIS, Turkey’s military operations, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. "My main focus will be on the security of North and East Syria, the structure of AANES, the role of the SDF, and the continued risks posed by ISIS. I will also highlight the efforts we have taken to stabilise the region and how our security framework impacts both the Middle East and Europe." Nechirvan Barzani’s participation will focus on strengthening the Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s (KRI) regional and international relations while addressing security and political challenges affecting Kurdistan, Iraq, and the broader region. According to diplomatic sources, Barzani is expected to hold bilateral meetings with world leaders to discuss the KRI’s role in regional security and counterterrorism efforts. Alongside the Kurdish delegations, world leaders will discuss other major security issues, including the war in Ukraine, conflicts in Sudan and Gaza, counterterrorism efforts, and economic security. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will lead his delegation, engaging in discussions with European and US officials on military cooperation and security guarantees. The MSC 2025 will also feature discussions on the Israel-Palestine conflict, with a session titled “Peace in Pieces: The Future of Israeli-Palestinian Relations”, reflecting the conference’s commitment to addressing enduring global security issues. The Munich Security Conference is currently chaired by Christoph Heusgen, who has been leading the MSC since 2022. Although there is no official announcement regarding a successor, there are rumours that the former NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg may be the new president of the Conference. Regarding US participation, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are confirmed to attend MSC 2025. Following the conference, Rubio plans to visit Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/syrian-kurds-to-participate-in-munich-security-conference-for-first-time/


Medyanews - 13 Feb 2025
<<Italian delegation visits Rojava’s Kurdish-led Women’s Protection Units
A delegation from Italy visits North and East Syria's Women's Protection Units (YPJ) to discuss the role of women in building up a democratic Syria, and the importance of women's international joint struggle. Italian journalist Anna Irma Patino shares exclusive insights into the delegation's meeting with YPJ General Commander Rohilat Afrin with Medya News. An Italian women’s delegation visited the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) in North and East Syria (Rojava) on Tuesday to discuss the role of women in building a democratic Syria and the significance of international women’s solidarity. The YPJ is an all-women militia group under the Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). The delegation met with YPJ General Commander Rohilat Afrin and spokeswoman Ruksen Muhammed to discuss the political situation in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime on 8 December and the YPJ’s role in shaping a new Syria. The delegation included Roberta Ferrari, an academic researcher and political activist, Federica Gardini, a professor specialising in social movements, journalist Anna Irma Patino, and social activist Virginia Dessy.
Commander Afrin stated that Turkish forces and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) are directly targeting the achievements of the AANES, warning that women, who have played a leading role in establishing a system of equality and democracy in the region, are at the greatest risk of losing their rights. Syrian women must remain steadfast in their defence, Afrin stressed, saying, “Like a rose protects itself with its thorns, a woman defends and protects herself through her principles.” Furthermore – women’s solidarity, both locally and internationally – and unity among the diverse ethnicities of the region are powerful forces against occupation and patriarchy, she said. “Ensuring the unity among the people of the region delivers a powerful blow to the occupying forces. The unity of women delivers the ultimate blow to the oppressive and patriarchal system.”
Italian journalist Anna Irma Patino, speaking to Medya News, said the purpose of the delegation was to “take a closer look at what is happening in Rojava” and to understand how the AANES can boast “perhaps the most complete gender equality in the world”, in a region “torn apart by conflict and misogyny”. What struck her most during the visit to North and East Syria, Patino explained, was the “simplicity and naturalness with which the meeting [with the YPJ] took place” and the “willingness of the commander and the rest of the delegation present to answer the various questions”. She also said that “the human warmth perceived from comrades who fight every day for their survival, and also for ours in Europe, was “incomparable”. The meeting agenda had also covered the attacks at the Tishreen (Tişrîn) Dam on the Euphrates, which along with the Qara Quzak (Qere Qozaq) Bridge, also on the Euphrates, has been under heavy attack by Turkey since 8 December. "Tishreen and Qereqozak are the two main gateways to Syria. They are strategically important for the protection of [the cities of] Kobani [Kobanê], Tabqa [Tebqa], Raqqa [Reqa] and the rest of Syria in general. Turkey's targeting of these gateways is linked to its objective of striking at the Autonomous Administration, but above all it wants to strike at that collective mentality that has united the population. Years of work have been invested in building this mentality among the people. They are determined to wipe it out. This war aims to dismantle the values established in this region." - Anna Irma Patino. The city of Kobani, known for its historic resistance against the Islamic State in 2014, was also a topic of the meeting, with Commander Afrin stating: “Kobani is not just about Syria. It is a city of the world, because the fight that took place in Kobani saw a force like ISIS defeated. About 10 years have passed since this great victory, brought about thanks to the will and the resistance of the women and men of Rojava.” Patino also echoed Commander Afrin’s statements on the need to build global solidarity among women, and she noted her own concerns about an escalation of violence against women under the new Syrian government. “The mentality ingrained in the new government makes it clear that there is no place for women, or that there is only one place, where women must agree to cover their heads and accept the patriarchal mentality. Preventing this will require a lot of organisation and effort. It is a grave danger, that we must recognise. The new government’s standards for women are a threat to the existence, role and culture of women,” she said. Patino also reiterated the need for women to organise their own self-defence in Syria, with the central role of the pioneering YPJ, as “the first army made up entirely of women, protecting and fighting for themselves”. The YPG has “inspired many women; Arab, Kurdish, Assyrian and international, and must be protected at all costs,” she concluded.>>
Video: https://medyanews.net/italian-delegation-visits-rojavas-kurdish-led-womens-protection-units/


Medyanews - 13 Feb 2025
<<New mass grave unearthed in Fallujah, Iraq following arrest of senior Ba’athist officer
Following the arrest of Sa'adoun Sabri al-Qaisi, a high-ranking Ba'ath officer and a suspect in the murder of the parents of Iraqi Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr during Saddam Hussein's Ba'athist regime, another mass grave of civilians executed during that period has been uncovered in Fallujah, Anbar province, Iraq. Another mass grave of civilians from Saddam Hussein’s era has been discovered in Saqlawa, near Fallujah in Anbar province, Iraq, following the arrest of several former Ba’ath regime officers, including Lieutenant General Sa’adoun Sabri al-Qaisi, Iraqi media has reported. Iraqi security authorities, in coordination with the Martyrs Institute and the Collective Graves Institute, are set to assess the site. Preliminary investigations indicate that the mass grave contains the remains of approximately 25 men and women, with clear signs of torture visible on their bodies. Additionally, evidence suggests that five individuals were executed at the burial site. The possibility of other groups’ involvement in these executions remains under investigation. Zargham Kamil, head of Iraq’s mass graves committee, stated that based on ongoing investigations and the recent testimony of Sa’adoun Sabri al-Qaisi, it has been confirmed that these individuals were executed during Saddam Hussein’s rule. However, their identities remain unknown. According to al-Qaisi’s statements, it is also possible that the remains of the family of Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr are among those buried in one of the mass graves. On 2 February, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani announced the arrest of former Ba’ath regime officers suspected of involvement in the execution of Shiite cleric Mohammad Baqir Al-Sadr, his sister, and other dissidents in the 1980s under Saddam Hussein’s rule. Al-Sadr, a founder of the Islamic Al-Da’awa Party, had issued a religious edict banning Ba’ath Party membership, leading to his execution in 1980 on charges of espionage and collaboration with Iran. National Security Agency spokesperson Arshad Al-Hakim confirmed that five senior officers were arrested under Iraq’s anti-Ba’athist law. Lieutenant General Sa’adoun Sabri admitted to executing Al-Sadr in April 1980. Alongside him, four officers confessed to mass executions, collectively responsible for the deaths of an estimated 24,000 Kurdish, Communist, and Islamist opposition members. Efforts to uncover mass graves from Saddam Hussein’s era continue. In the most recent discovery on 19 January 2025, two mass graves were found in the Tal Sheikh area. Further analysis revealed that the remains belong to 155 individuals executed in the 1980s. These discoveries are part of Iraq’s broader efforts to confront the legacy of the Ba’ath regime and bring justice to the victims’ families, highlighting the enduring impact of past atrocities on the country’s social and political fabric.>>
Source: https://medyanews.net/new-mass-grave-unearthed-in-fallujah-iraq-following-arrest-of-senior-baathist-officer/


Noun Initiative
Jinha - Womens News Agency - February 13, 2025
<<Statement by Noun Initiative about anniversary of international conspiracy
“Appropriate conditions must be provided in order that our leader can fulfill his historical duties,” said a statement issued by the Noun Initiative to mark the anniversary of the international conspiracy against Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan.
News Center- As the 26th anniversary of the international conspiracy against Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan on February 15, 1999 is approaching, Kurdish people have organized many protests all over the world and many organizations and activists have issued statements, demanding the physical freedom of Abdullah Öcalan. The Noun Initiative for Abdullah Öcalan's Freedom has issued a statement to mark the 26th anniversary of the international conspiracy, stating that Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan “focuses on fundamental principles that have been ignored by revolutionary movements, such as the restoration of moral values in society and ensuring women's freedom.” The statement also pointed to the resistance of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan in the prison island of Imrali and said, “Leader Abdullah Öcalan has been waging a physical, spiritual and ideological struggle in the prison. His resistance has inspired women, intellectuals, democrats and revolutionaries all over the world to unite and demand his physical freedom.” The freedom of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan is the guarantee of women's freedom,” the initiative stressed in the statement. “All political prisoners must be immediately released from prison. Appropriate conditions must be provided in order that our leader can fulfill his historical duties. We call on all human rights organizations to impartially fulfil their responsibilities without considering international political interests, and defend the decision of the Committee of Ministers at the Council of Europe on the right to hope. We call on the international powers to put pressure on the Turkish state to put an end to its reckless practices.”>>
Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/statement-by-noun-initiative-about-anniversary-of-international-conspiracy-36544?page=1


Syrian women
Jinha - Womens News Agency - February 13, 2025 - by LAMIS NASIR
<<Syrian women: We must participate in every stage of new process
“As women, we must participate in every stage of the transition process to build a system that guarantees equality and justice in the new Syria,” said women in Damascus.
Damascus- Following the fall of the Assad regime on December 8, 2024, a new transitional government led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) was formed in Syria. Syrian women are determined to play an important role at every stage of the transition process in Syria to build a new system that guarantees equality and justice in the country.
‘We must struggle more for the victims of enforced disappearance’
Tima Issa, a women’s rights activist in Damascus, drew attention to the victims of enforced disappearance in Syria. “In recent years, we have carried out many activities about the victims of enforced disappearance. Women demand justice and raise their voices for them. We must struggle more for the victims of enforced disappearance.” Tima Issa also mentioned the challenges faced by women in the country. “Since the Assad regime collapsed, we hope that the war in our country will end. According to the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the role of women in building social peace and security is very important. Mothers of the disappeared and detained and women bear this responsibility. We must all trust the role of women in demanding rights and justice.”
‘Women must participate in every stage of the transition process’
Lama Al-Jamal, a lawyer and activist in Damascus, emphasized the role of women in the new Syria and said, “Women must participate in every stage of the transition process to build a system that guarantees equality and justice in the new Syria. “Women have the power to build bridges among people because they have a strong will and they have already played an important role in providing psychological and social support to the people suffering from psychological trauma left behind by the war. As Syrian women, we say that we are ready to build a system based on equality and justice because we are most affected by the war and many women have lost their husbands, children and siblings.”>>
Video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/syrian-women-we-must-participate-in-every-stage-of-new-process-36543?page=1


Jinha - Womens News Agency - February 13, 2025
<<IFJ urges Syrian authorities to reverse dissolution of journalists’ union
In a letter on Tuesday, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) urged Syrian authorities to reverse their decision on the dissolution of the General Assembly of the Syrian Journalists’ Union (SJU).
News Center- On February 6, 2025, Syria’s Prime Minister Mohammad al-Bashir ordered the dissolution of the General Assembly of the Syrian Journalists’ Union (SJU) and the appointment of a temporary office from outside the SJU’s union representatives. On Tuesday, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) sent a letter to Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa and the Prime Minister, urging them to reverse the decision.
“The dissolution of the journalists’ union is a severe incident of political interference in the work of trade union organisations and violates international agreements and conventions ratified by Syria, including International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions,” the IFJ said in a statement on Wednesday. “Following the decision, the IFJ sent a letter to Syria’s President and Prime Minister on 11 February to express its strong objection to the dissolution and to call on the authorities to revoke it.” “We sincerely hope that your government is not using the old law [...] to set up a journalists’ trade union movement that aims to serve the new Syrian government’s policies and agenda, rather than defending journalists’ social and professional rights. By using this old law, you are sending a dangerous message to the world that your government is ready to employ the arsenal of very bad laws adopted by the previous regime, which aimed to restrict freedom of expression and independent journalism in Syria,” the IFJ said in the letter.>>
Source: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/ifj-urges-syrian-authorities-to-reverse-dissolution-of-journalists-union-36542?page=1

Jinha - Womens News Agency - February 13, 2025
<<Margaret Owen demands physical freedom for Abdullah Öcalan
In a video message, Margaret Owen, human rights lawyer focusing on women's and children's rights, demanded physical freedom for Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan.
News Center- February 15, 2025 marks the 26th anniversary of the international conspiracy against Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, imprisoned in the prison island of Imrali. For 26 years, the Kurdish people and their friends have held many protests, activities and launched campaigns to demand physical freedom for Abdullah Öcalan. As the 26th anniversary of the international conspiracy is approaching, Margaret Owen OBE, human rights lawyer focusing on women's and children's rights, director of Widows for Peace through Democracy (WPD) and board member of the Peace in Kurdistan, sent a video message to NuJINHA, condemning the international conspiracy and the isolation imposed on Abdullah Öcalan. “And who, who must be left out of prison? Now, now, it is time to release Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan,” Margaret Owen OBE said in the video message. “Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan is now in his 26th year of unlawful imprisonment in the island of Imrali. A man of peace, a man who for the last decades has been begging, begging for a political solution to the Kurdish question and to forget about trying to overcome the Kurds with bombs and drones and chemical weapons and all the terrible things they have been doing. He is a man of peace.” Margaret Owen OBE called on everyone to protect not only Syria, the Middle East but also the whole world from being overrun by ISIS, by terrorists, by the jihadists. “We've got to be sure that Syria doesn't become the center for a new resurgence of ISIS. We must not let the HTS (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham), who are now heading the transitional government in Syria and do not want to have anything to do with the Kurds and all the different people from different ethnicities and religions that they represent. Why is everyone staying silent? Because there's an international conspiracy to keep Turkey on their side, so they continue to arm Erdoğan, who is a criminal, a dictator. They continue to arm him and keep him on that side. Why are they doing this? Maybe it's because of the whole political game between the East and the West. It's between Russia, China and the West.” Reminding that the anniversary of the February 15th international conspiracy is just a few days away, Margaret Owen OBE said, “February 15th is the day in 1999, when Abdullah Öcalan was unlawfully kidnapped, taken from the Greek Embassy in Nairobi with the help of Mossad Israel with the help of the United States, with the help of the UK. And that's when it all began, that was 26 years ago. And it's outrageous that this international conspiracy to support Turkey whatever it does continues.”>>
Video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/margaret-owen-demands-physical-freedom-for-abdullah-Ocalan-36540?page=1


Semira Al Ahmed
Jinha - Womens News Agency - February 13, 2025 - by HAYFA XELÎL
<<YPJ commander: 2025 must be the year of freedom for leader Abdullah Öcalan
YPJ commander Semira Al Ahmed commented on the 26th year of the international conspiracy against Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan and said, “2025 must be the year of freedom for leader Abdullah Öcalan.”
Raqqa- In an interview with NuJINHA, Semira Al Ahmed, one of the commanders of the Women's Defense Units (YPJ), talked about the 26th anniversary of the international conspiracy against Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan. At the beginning of her speech, she mentioned the attacks of ISIS on North and East Syria, especially Raqqa and said, “When ISIS attacked Raqqa, many women and children were subjected to unjust and repressive practices. As women, we fought to defend our region against ISIS and the attacks of the Turkish state. As an Arab woman, I joined the Women's Defense Units (YPJ). All women must learn how to protect themselves and to defend their homeland.”
‘Women protect the people against the Turkish state as they did against ISIS’
Women have been oppressed by the patriarchal systems for over 5,000 years, Semira Al Ahmed stressed. “Women have been paying the heaviest price for the wars and crises that have been created by the patriarchal systems for thousands of years. Women are seen as the weakest link in society. Actually, women are targeted because it is known that they are the strongest link in society and have the power to build peace. Since 2012, the Syrian women and the women of North and East Syria have been resisting. The women of North and East Syria have achieved significant gains thanks to the July 19th Revolution in 2012. The YPJ liberated the region and its people from ISIS and now defends the Tishreen Dam against the attacks by the Turkish state and its armed groups. Women not only fight against the occupation but also are the front line to protect their gains.”
‘The thoughts of leader Öcalan have reached all continents’
The women of North and East Syria have achieved significant gains by embracing Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan’s paradigm based on free life, Semira Al Ahmed emphasized, adding: “The thoughts and philosophy of leader Abdullah Öcalan paves the way for women to be free, to play leading roles in society. The thoughts of leader Öcalan have reached not only North and East Syria but also all continents. Leader Öcalan presents a new and important ideology to the whole world. His thoughts and ideology are also included in the curriculum, being taught to university students.”
‘His philosophy of life opens the doors to women’s freedom’
Semira Al Ahmed underlined that the philosophy of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan opened the doors to women’s freedom and empowered women. “Thanks to his philosophy, women now participate in all decision-making positions. The women of North and East Syria have achieved significant gains by playing important roles in all facets of life, including military. Today, women participate in all decision-making positions in the region controlled by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) thanks to the philosophy of leader Öcalan.” Semira Al Ahmed also spoke about the 26th anniversary of the international conspiracy against Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan. “An aggravated isolation has been imposed on leader Öcalan in the prison island of Imrali for 26 years. Our system in North and East Syria is based on the Democratic Nation Project of leader Öcalan and the Turkish state wants this system to fail. February 15 is a day of mourning for not only the Kurdish people but all people believing in his thoughts and philosophy. As the people of North and East Syria, we demand physical freedom for leader Öcalan. 2025 must be the year of freedom for leader Öcalan.”>>
Video: https://jinhaagency.com/en/actual/ypj-commander-2025-must-be-the-year-of-freedom-for-leader-abdullah-Ocalan-36538?page=1
 

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