KCK Commemorates Sheikh Said; his companions, affirms continuation of struggle

The Co-Presidency of the Executive Council of the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) issued a statement marking the 101st anniversary of the execution of Sheikh Said and his 48 companions. The statement read:

"One hundred and one years ago, Sheikh Said and 48 of his companions were executed by hanging in Dörtyol Square in the city of Amed. We remember them with deep gratitude and respect, and we renew our commitment to realizing their aspirations for a free Kurdistan.

The final words of Sheikh Said and his companions before their execution were: 'Free Kurdistan.' They left this world believing that Kurdish youth would one day fulfill their hopes and aspirations.

The descendants of Sheikh Said and his companions the Kurdish youth under the leadership of Leader APO initiated the struggle for freedom, affirmed and preserved the existence of the Kurdish people, and fulfilled their final message and testament through their resistance. Today, this is reflected in the reality of a people continuing their struggle for freedom.

Leader APO seeks to realize the aspirations of Sheikh Said and his companions through his struggle for peace and a democratic society. A democratic republic will represent the fulfillment of their aspirations. Sheikh Said and his companions did not oppose the republic itself; rather, they stood against the undemocratic system and the mentality that denied the existence of the Kurdish people. It is wrong to claim that Sheikh Said and his companions were opposed to the republic and to justify the extermination of the Kurds on that basis. Such an approach serves to legitimize policies of mass killing and genocide.

If democracy and a democratic republic are to be achieved, the execution of Sheikh Said and his companions must be confronted. Doing so would demonstrate a rejection of the denial of Kurdish existence. The opposite approach amounts to maintaining the previous policy of denial and annihilation. If the republic is to become truly democratic, it is essential to acknowledge that the execution of Sheikh Said and his companions was a grave mistake.

Therefore, the burial sites of Sheikh Said and his companions, as well as those of Seyid Riza and his companions, should be revealed. This would constitute an important step toward reconciliation with the Kurdish people. The Kurdish people should also continue their efforts to uncover the locations of these graves.

The struggle for freedom will continue until the aspirations of Sheikh Said, Seyid Riza, and their companions are realized."

ANHA