IDPs from Afrin demand right to return

Displaced Afrin residents in Kobani spoke to ANHA Agency about the crimes committed by the Turkish occupation and its mercenaries, including looting, theft, destruction, and the seizure of homes and properties in Afrin.

Mahmoud Mustafa Ibesh, who was displaced from Afrin in 2018, said: “A few days ago, they were selling wedding halls and olive presses belonging to the residents of the village of Qara Tepe to one another.”

He added: “These are the properties of Afrin residents, and the Turkish state’s mercenaries continue their crimes of killing, looting, kidnapping, and torture, while also cutting down olive trees planted by our fathers and grandfathers and stealing their crops.”

“Our Demand Is to Return to Afrin”

Ibesh emphasized that they expect human rights organizations to break their silence on these violations in Afrin, saying: “We want to return to Afrin. Enough of the displacement. Afrin belongs to us, and we want to return, even if it takes a century.”

Jamal Alou highlighted the selling of Afrin residents’ homes and properties by the Turkish state and its mercenaries: “The mercenaries want these violations to break the hope of Afrin’s people, but they can do whatever they want. Our only wish is to return to Afrin. Our demand is that the world not ignore these violations and remove the mercenaries so the people can return to their beautiful city.”

Alou explained that Turkey and its mercenaries aim to change Afrin’s demographics through these violations: “The mercenaries are selling residents’ homes and properties to each other. This shows the world their corruption. Human rights organizations must put an end to these dirty policies and expel the mercenaries so the people can return to their lands and homes.”

“Such Brutality Cannot Be Accepted”

Ismat Muhammad Sheikh commented on the selling of residents’ properties, lands, and olive groves, saying: “A few days ago, I saw on social media a video showing my olive press being sold. The press is mine, yet the mercenaries are selling homes and properties we inherited from our parents and grandparents. Such brutality cannot be accepted.”

Muhammad Sheikh called for the Turkish state and its mercenaries to be expelled from Afrin so that residents can return home.

a.k

ANHA