KNK calls on Syrian government authorities to assume responsibility 

The Executive Council of the Kurdistan National Congress issued a statement regarding the fire at Kobani Prison and the assassination of Sipan Hazni, a fighter in the Hasaka Brigade.

The statement read as follows:

“the martyring of Sîpan Hiznî, a fighter with the Hasaka Brigade, and the sharing on social media of footage showing the brutal manner in which the murder was carried out by the perpetrators have caused great shock and anger among our people.

Popular demonstrations were held in many cities and districts of Rojava Kurdistan. Those taking part in the demonstrations condemned the brutal incident and demanded that justice be served and those responsible be held accountable.

The KNK added: “As part of these events, what happened in Kobani — including the pursuit and detention of some demonstrators by forces affiliated with Damascus and Turkey-backed groups and attempts to take them to Aleppo Prison, followed by the incidents at and around Kobani Prison that resulted in eight deaths and 18 injuries — is an extremely dangerous development, particularly given the condition of the wounded, some of whom are in serious condition.

This situation requires an immediate halt to the escalation, the assumption of serious responsibility, and an open, independent and impartial investigation to establish the events in full, identify those responsible, and ensure that everyone confirmed to have participated in the incident is held accountable.

We wish all the wounded good health and a speedy recovery; we offer our condolences to the families of the martyrs and to our people.”

The KNK continued: “At the same time, we call on our people to remain calm, exercise the utmost care and responsibility, protect public and private property, and not allow anger to turn into chaos, destruction or internal conflict. Holding demonstrations and expressing opposition is a legitimate right; however, chaos is not a solution. Protecting people and property is a shared responsibility.

We also call on all relevant government and security forces to fully assume their responsibilities in addressing the causes of the tensions, moving away from the current impositions, and preventing further escalation; to refrain from provocations and the use of force; to engage with the people of the region on the basis of responsibility and respect; and to establish serious channels of dialogue to resolve the underlying causes of the tensions.

We call on elders, community figures, Kurdish parties and those responsible in the region to play their genuine roles and contribute to calming and containing the tensions and preserving social peace.”

Finally, the KNK underlined that “we are all currently at a sensitive stage that requires everyone to put forward a language of reason and understanding. Provocations, impulsive reactions and being dragged into chaos and violence must be avoided; everyone seeking to exploit the atmosphere of anger to undermine the security and peace of society must be prevented from doing so.

For this reason, we once again reiterate our call for all the facts to be brought to light and for everyone confirmed to be responsible for crimes and violations to be held accountable.

We call on all sides to remain calm, exercise self-control, preserve social peace, protect public and private property, and place the public interest above all other considerations.”

Sh-S

ANHA