Law, democracy highlighted at “6th Lawyers’ Union” conference in Jazira 

Under the slogan, "Democratic Laws Are the Guarantee of Peace and a Democratic Society," the Union of Lawyers in Jazira Canton held its sixth conference today at the Mohamed Sheikhou Center for Culture and Arts in Qamishlo, with the participation of 270 lawyers, as well as representatives from the Autonomous Administration, the Democratic Society Movement, and various civil organizations.

The conference began with a moment of silence. Lawyer Kovan Khalaf spoke, stating: "The establishment of law must be based on the will and needs of the people, through democratic mechanisms relying on local councils, so that the law serves justice and democracy."

She also emphasized that "achieving justice begins with liberating women from enslavement," and warned against states exploiting laws in capitalist systems to consolidate power and deepen class conflict. She stressed: "Legal professionals must stand with society and marginalized groups, not with authorities."

The co-chair of the Democratic Society Movement, Ramzia Mohamed, delivered a speech highlighting "the great responsibility that falls on lawyers to convey the message of justice and defend rights."

In a speech by the co-chair of the Council of Families of Martyrs, Wounded, and Prisoners of War, Rizan Klo, he affirmed that the sacrifices made by the people of North and East Syria, over 13,000 martyrs and 25,000 wounded, were for freedom and social justice.

He emphasized the importance of building a democratic system that guarantees the rights of all components of the Syrian people, free from individual interests and exploitation, guided by transparency and justice. He also called for the release of Leader Abdullah Ocalan, considering his freedom a fundamental condition for achieving peace and stability in the region.

Meanwhile, Farzendeh Munzir, spokesperson for the Syrian Initiative for the Freedom of Leader Abdullah Ocalan, stated: "More than 1,000 lawyers demand the freedom of Leader Abdullah Ocalan, direct meetings with him, and the restoration of the rights stripped from the people of North and East Syria."

He called on Turkey to implement the peace call launched by Leader Ocalan, criticizing its failure to adhere to internationally recognized principles despite the United Nations’ acknowledgment of them.

Azad Hasso, spokesperson for the Executive Council in Qamishlo, highlighted that the experience of the Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria reflects the aspirations of the people for freedom, justice, and equality. He explained that the responsibilities borne by its officials stem from a deep belief in the concept of an inclusive democratic society, which is not limited to a specific region or group but meets the needs of all Syrians, especially amid the multiple crises facing the country.

Judge Khaled Barjas stressed that the legal profession is the path to achieving justice, noting that the establishment of a court to protect the social contract is an important and essential step toward guaranteeing rights and implementing democratic laws.

Juan Hamo, representing the Justice Council in North and East Syria, stated that the law is the unifying reference for all members of society, essential for protecting the nation’s gains, and that the Union of Lawyers plays a major role in achieving democracy and peace, which are built by peoples of different communities through the full application of just laws.

Bashira Jamal al-Din, co-chair of the Union of Lawyers in the North and East Syria, explained that holding the sixth conference stems from the lawyers’ belief in the necessity of protecting the coming phase and deepening their role in achieving social justice through democratic laws.

She affirmed that the freedom of Leader Abdullah Ocalan remains at the top of their demands, calling his continued imprisonment a crime, and stressed that the lawyers of northern and eastern Syria consider defending him both a legal and moral duty.

At the conclusion of the speeches, a bureau was formed to manage the conference’s organizational sessions, comprising five members: Asim Ahmed, Shahin Lali, Rovand Khalaf, Mohamed Zaher, and Jilan Hami.

The conference is set to discuss several issues related to the work of lawyers, including the development of the judicial system in the Autonomous Administration areas, reviewing annual organizational and financial reports, and electing a new administrative council for the union. It was decided that the organizational sessions will be closed to the media.

A-H 

ANHA