Journalists: If there were firm stance from inter. powers, journalists would not have been targeted again

Journalists commented on the targeting of journalists Jihan Belkin, a correspondent for our agency (Hawar), and journalist Nazim Dashtan, on December 19, by the Turkish occupation state while they were covering its violations on the road connecting the Tishrin Dam and the town of Serin in the southern part of Kobani city. 

 Where the member of the administrative board of the Free Media Union (YRA), Avin Ibrahim, explained that "since the beginning of the media journey 120 years ago, journalists have faced continuous attacks and threats up to this day."

 She pointed out that "journalists have been targeted since the start of the July 19th Revolution, either by the Turkish occupation or by the ISIS mercenaries linked to it, where 30 journalists were martyred and dozens were injured while trying to reveal the truth."

 Avin pointed out "the serious risks to the lives of journalists due to their continued targeting, noting that 'these journalists convey the voice of truth and expose the enemies lurking in the region, who want to undermine the women's revolution that secured its gains with the blood of thousands of martyrs.'"

 Avin pointed out that "the region is facing a special war represented by fabricating news and spreading lies about the occupation's control over the Qaraquzaq Bridge, the Tishrin Dam, and Manbij, with the claim that they will head towards the city of Kobani to demoralize its residents."

 She emphasized that "journalists Jihan and Nazim have blocked the way to this war by covering the events and developments from the body of the Tishrin Dam, where they showed that the Syrian Democratic Forces are in control of the situation at the dam and are demonstrating a historic resistance."

 She confirmed, "That Jihan and Nazim revealed the truth about ISIS to the world and provided a great service to the Rojava Revolution, which thwarted all the accusations against them, highlighting the extent of the hatred and barbarism of the occupying state in targeting them."

 Avin said: "In the pursuit of truth, 30 journalists have been martyred, which is not a small number since the revolution began. We have always sent reports to international bodies concerned with journalists' rights regarding the martyrdom of our colleagues, but their positions have not gone beyond statements, and mere condemnation is not enough." If they had firm and strong stances, the targeting of journalists would not have continued.

 Avin addressed the international bodies concerned with journalists' rights, saying: "Look at your laws, and you will know what war crimes are being committed against journalists by the Turkish state." Your stance is weak, and there must be an end to the ongoing Turkish violations and practices, ensuring the protection of more than a thousand journalists and dozens of media outlets in North and East Syria.

 For her part, journalist and member of the Women's Media Union (YRJ), Silva Ibrahim, explained that "journalists Jihan and Nazim have revealed the truth to the world with their voices, pens, cameras, and blood," pointing to "the bravery they showed while covering the events at the Tishrin Dam."

 Silva pointed out that "the laws prohibit targeting journalists, and they have the right to tell the truth and show it, including the truth about the war and the massacres being committed and presenting it to the public. However, the Turkish occupying state targets journalists brutally."

 She added, "If there had been a strong stance, journalists would not have been targeted again."

 Silva confirmed that "the Turkish occupation state seeks to keep the truth in the dark." And she vowed, "The truth will not remain shrouded in darkness, because the truth is a passion, and passion is a free life."

 T/Satt. 

ANHA