Women reject verdict against fighter Çiçek Kobanê and call for her release

The life sentence handed down by Turkish authorities against fighter Darjin—known as Çiçek Kobanê—which was upheld on July 24, 2026, has sparked widespread condemnation. Çiçek, a medic with the Women's Protection Units (YPJ), was captured while wounded during the 2019 Turkish offensive on the city of Girê Spî (Tel Abyad) and subsequently illegally transferred into Turkish territory; human rights and humanitarian organizations, as well as the United Nations, have called for the verdict to be overturned and for her release.

In this context, Faryal Osi, a resident of the city of Girkê Legê, stated that the verdict handed down against fighter Çiçek Kobanê is unjust and lacks any legal basis.

She explained that Çiçek was a member of the Women's Protection Units (YPJ) medical team and had contributed to the defense of her city during the war against ISIS mercenaries. She was captured while wounded during the Turkish offensive on Girê Spî in 2019 and subsequently transferred to Turkey for trial, despite not being a Turkish citizen. Osi emphasized that trying Çiçek and sentencing her to life imprisonment constitutes a violation of legal and humanitarian standards.

For her part, Khalisa Khalaf stated that the Turkish state claims to support peace while handing down life sentences to female fighters who confronted ISIS mercenaries. She added, "The verdict against Çiçek Kobanê is part of the targeting of Kurdish women who defended their regions against terrorism."

She emphasized that women would continue to demand the overturning of the sentence, calling upon the United Nations and human rights and humanitarian organizations to uphold their legal and moral responsibilities and work towards the release of the fighter Çiçek Kobanê.

For her part, Farida Darwish stated that the life sentence handed down to Çiçek Kobanê is unacceptable, noting that she stood on the front lines against ISIS and made sacrifices to defend her people and their regions.

She added that putting someone on trial for confronting terrorism—rather than holding its supporters accountable—constitutes a grave injustice. She emphasized that Çiçek Kobanê’s case warrants international attention and that silence regarding this verdict only encourages further violations.

Farida concluded by saying, "Releasing Çiçek Kobanê and overturning her sentence is a necessary step toward achieving justice and ensuring fairness for those who sacrificed in the fight against terrorism."

Sh-S

ANHA