Dêrik residents demand justice for Hevrin Khalaf, Ferhad Ramadan

The Future Syria Party and the Martyrs’ Families Council organized a commemoration ceremony on Monday for Hevrin Khalaf and Ferhad Ramadan, marking the seventh anniversary of their martyrdom. The ceremony was held at the Dijlah Center for Culture and Arts in Dêrik, with the participation of hundreds of residents, party members, and families of martyrs.

The ceremony began with a minute of silence, followed by a speech by Nesrin Doko, co-chair of the Future Syria Party. She said that targeting Hevrin Khalaf was an attack on the women’s cause and the voice of freedom, stressing that such practices would not lead them to abandon the path of the martyrs. Instead, they would continue to follow in the footsteps of Hevrin, Ferhad, and all other martyrs.

She added that the primary demand was to hold those responsible for the assassinations of Hevrin Khalaf and Ferhad Ramadan accountable and to enshrine women’s rights. She noted that Hevrin had advocated for women to be decision-makers in Syria at the political, administrative, and social levels.

She also stressed the need to enshrine the rights of all components of Syrian society in the constitution, ensuring the establishment of a pluralistic Syria that embraces its diverse peoples and respects their cultures and rights.

For her part, Ramziya Mohammed, co-chair of the Democratic Society Movement (TEV-DEM), noted that Hevrin Khalaf and Ferhad Ramadan had a vision for Syria’s future.. She said their assassination was part of a broader targeting of Kurdish and Syrian community figures and leaders, as well as women's leaders.

She stressed the importance of continuing the path of the martyrs and working to achieve justice and democracy for all peoples, highlighting the need to confront practices that undermine women's role and voice in society.

Meanwhile, Suad Mostafa, Hevrin Khalaf's mother, paid tribute to the martyrs by remembering her daughter and called for justice and accountability for those responsible for her assassination.

The commemoration ceremony concluded with chants honoring the martyrs and affirming the commitment to continue their path.

Hevrin Khalaf and Ferhad Ramadan were assassinated by Turkish state mercenaries during their attacks on the city of Serê Kaniyê on October 12, 2019.

At the time of her assassination, Hevrin Khalaf was serving as secretary-general of the Future Syria Party. She was assassinated on the M4 international highway connecting the town of Ain Issa and the city of Tal Tamr.

ANHA