KON-MED criticizes al-Sharaa’s visit to Berlin, calls for protests

In a statement issued ahead of al-Sharaa’s visit, KON-MED said the invitation goes beyond a routine diplomatic meeting and carries political implications toward the Syrian people who have been subjected to serious human rights violations.

The statement noted that the visit sends a message of ignoring abuses affecting Alawites, Druze, Kurds, Christians, and other components of Syrian society, adding that attacks carried out by the interim government and its affiliated factions against civilians and minorities are documented in international reports.

The KON-MED warned that granting al-Sharaa political legitimacy under such circumstances would reinforce a culture of impunity. It also pointed to the continued uncertainty surrounding the fate of journalists Eva Maria Michalman and Ahmad Bolat, who have been missing in Raqqa since January 2026, as further intensifying objections to the visit.

KON-MED called on the German government to take immediate action, urging it to end political support for al-Sharaa, clearly condemn attacks on Rojava, and place the issue of recognizing the Democratic Autonomous Administration in Rojava on its agenda.

For her part, co-chair Amina Ruken Akça described the invitation to Berlin as “unacceptable,” stressing that Germany’s international relations should be based on human rights, the rule of law, and respect for minority rights.

She also highlighted the rise in cases of violence, abductions, and threats, particularly against women and girls, as well as ongoing attacks on Rojava and assaults on Christians.

Meanwhile, co-chair of KON-MED, Karam Kouk, stated that holding such a meeting in Berlin could be interpreted as covering up violations committed in Syria, emphasizing that the country needs support for democratic forces, not an Islamist administration.

In its conclusion, KON-MED called for condemning Ahmad al-Sharaa’s visit and announced a protest event on March 30 in front of the Federal Chancellery in Berlin, with the participation of the Kurdish Women’s Movement in Europe (TJK-E) and the Kurdish community in Berlin-Brandenburg, urging all democratic forces to join.

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ANHA