Commitment to legacy of Paris Massacre martyrs: Sara, Ronahi, Rojbin

Every year on January 9, the anniversary of the martyrdom of three activists, Sakina Cansiz (Sara), Leyla Shaylemez (Ronahi), and Fidan Doghan (Rojbîn), is commemorated. These martyrs were assassinated in the French capital, Paris, in 2013 by agents of the Turkish occupation state.

On the 12th anniversary of their martyrdom, a series of events were organized in North and East Syria and Lebanon.

Aleppo

In Aleppo, dozens of women, including members and representatives of political parties, civil institutions, councils, communes, and women's movements, gathered in front of the Kongra Star Center in the Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood to participate in a statement issued by Kongra Star.

The statement, read by Fatima Mohammed, a member of the Kongra Star Coordination Committee, highlighted the historical massacres and genocides committed against the Kurdish people by Turkish fascism, up to the emergence of the Kurdistan Freedom Movement, where women played a central role. Sakine Cansiz was one of the first women to join the movement.

The statement noted that thousands of women were inspired by Sakine Cansiz’s struggle and joined the movement in pursuit of freedom. It emphasized her strong, influential, and justice-loving character, making her a target along with her comrades Leyla Shaylemez and Fidan Doghan in Paris.

It criticized France for failing to take serious steps to pursue the perpetrators despite its claim of being a democratic state that protects human rights.

The Kongra Star, while condemning the crimes committed against women, called for holding the murderers of women and those responsible for the first Paris massacre accountable. It pledged to continue the path of the martyrs in spreading the message of the democratic nation and building a society where justice and equality prevail.

Similarly, the Democratic Society Movement (TEV-DEM) issued a written statement marking the 12th anniversary of the activists' martyrdom, noting that the three martyrs had dedicated their lives to social justice and women's freedom.

The statement referenced Amnesty International’s call for a thorough investigation into the killing of the Kurdish activists in Paris, pointing out that Turkey was implicated but no transparent investigation has been conducted. This lack of action reflects complicity with the criminals to maintain specific agendas.

TEV-DEM called on the French people and government to uphold their human and democratic values by exposing the reality of the Turkish fascist state and holding those responsible for the massacre accountable.

The statement pledged to continue the struggle and work toward the goals the martyrs fought for, aiming to build a democratic and free society.

TEV-DEM also urged Amnesty International and international legal and human rights organizations to end the Turkish occupation state's crimes against the Kurdish people, activists, and leaders. It stressed that while legal accountability for these crimes may be delayed, historical accountability by the Kurdish people is inevitable.

Lebanon

In this context, Kongra Star in Lebanon organized a series of meetings in various Lebanese regions.

Participants emphasized that the assassination of Sakina Cansiz and her comrades was an attack on the Kurdish women’s movement and an attempt to undermine democratic dialogue and peaceful solutions to the Kurdish issue. They noted that the crime was part of a broader campaign targeting pioneering women advocating for freedom and equality.

The attendees praised Sakine’s struggle for women’s rights, highlighting her role as a founder of the Kurdistan Liberation Movement, a symbol of resistance and organization, and someone who dedicated her life to educating and organizing society toward freedom.

They reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the fight for the goals Sakina Cansiz strived for, preserving her memory as a symbol of inspiration, unity, and sacrifice for freedom and justice.

A-H

ANHA