Demonstration in Vienna over crimes against Kurds in Rojava

The protesters gathered at Karlsplatz station, where they observed a minute of silence in honor of those killed. Journalist and politician Bonyad Jaziri then addressed the gathering, referring to the abduction of fighter Sipan in the city of Hasakah on September 10, before his death. He also addressed the Kobani Prison incident, stressing that what happened was not an isolated incident but part of a series of events and violations targeting the Kurdish people in Rojava.

Jaziri criticized the policies of the Syrian transitional government toward the Kurdish issue, referring to the issue of Kurdish-language education and expressing solidarity with students and their right to study in their mother tongue. He said reducing Kurdish-language instruction to three hours a week was inconsistent with Decree No. 13, which recognizes Kurdish as a national language in Syria.

Nurcan Alagoz also delivered a speech in German on behalf of the Kurdish Women's Movement in Europe. She said targeting Kurds in Rojava constitutes a crime against the Kurdish people and a dangerous indicator threatening the security and stability of the region. She called for support for building a democratic Syria based on peace and coexistence.

Sterk Ronahi, an activist with the Women's Movement, delivered a speech in English expressing solidarity with the Kurdish people in Rojava. She highlighted the sacrifices made by the Kurds and their forces in the fight against ISIS mercenaries, and called for an end to crimes and violations and for those responsible to be held accountable.

She stressed the Kurdish people's right to administer their affairs and their areas and to educate their children in their mother tongue, in accordance with the agreement reached on January 29. She called on international powers to pressure the Syrian transitional government to end violence and promote peace, stability and coexistence in Syria.

At the end of the demonstration, participants marched toward the Austrian Parliament, carrying banners honoring those martyed and calling for accountability for crimes against the Kurdish people. They also reaffirmed their rejection of violence and incitement to strife and called for the protection of peace and stability in the region.

ANHA