Turkish attacks won't prevent us from reporting truth

 Journalist Aziz Koilo Oğlu was martyred in a Turkish drone strike targeting his vehicle in the Ranya district of Southern Kurdistan on January 27.

 Oğlu was a pillar of free journalism in Kurdistan, NE Syria and one of the founders of ANHA agency, Hawar News Agency (ANHA). This is not the first time journalists working in independent media have been directly targeted by the Turkish occupation, whether in North and East Syria or South Kurdistan.

Additionally, Turkish authorities continue their crackdown on journalists in Northern Kurdistan through arbitrary arrests.

 Salha Suleiman, the journalist in Ronahi TV, denounced the targeting of her colleagues, reaffirming their commitment to free journalism. She stated: "The more attacks intensify against North and East Syria, the stronger the resolve of journalists to document the reality of the Turkish occupation and its brutality. Through their cameras and pens, journalists expose these events to the local and global public."

 She further highlighted the systematic targeting of journalists, citing the attack on colleagues Cihan Belkin and Nazım Daştan on December 19, 2024, and the recent martyrdom of Aziz Koilo Oğlu in Ranya. Suleiman vowed to continue their mission:

"No matter how many journalists Turkey targets, others will pick up their pens and cameras. The occupation will not remain on our land, and the voice of truth will only grow louder."

 Suleiman also pointed to Turkey’s war crimes, stating:"After the fall of the Ba'ath regime, Turkey escalated its attacks against NE Syria, particularly targeting Qaraqozak Bridge, Tishreen Dam, and civilians. Dozens of civilians have been martyred, and several journalists have been injured while covering these attacks."

 Dilyar Jazeri, the Co-Chair of the Free Media Union, emphasized that Turkey’s targeting of journalists violates international human rights standards. He referenced Article 19 of the Geneva Convention, which classifies attacks on journalists as war crimes. He stated: "Today, we see the Turkish occupation using drones and warplanes to target journalists, such as the assassination of ANHA journalist Issam Abdullah, with total disregard for international laws protecting media workers."

 Jazeri described Turkey’s actions as crimes against humanity and called on international institutions, particularly those concerned with press freedoms, to take action:"These organizations must not allow their laws to remain mere ink on paper. Turkey must be held accountable in international courts, and justice must be pursued."

 He also mourned the loss of Aziz Koilo Oğlu, recognizing his vital role in building independent media institutions and training hundreds of journalists with integrity and professionalism. He extended condolences to Koilo Oğlu’s family and vowed to continue the mission of the free journalism.

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ANHA