SORGUL ŞÊXO

Qamishlo- Women have been subjected to all forms of violence and attacks in Afrin, Gri Spi (Tal Abyad) and Serêkanyê (Ras al-Ayn) since the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions occupied these cities. The existence of these factions causes women to face threats every day. Several days ago, the Faylaq al-Sham, an alliance of Sunni Islamist rebel groups, announced that men could marry multiple spouses. In an audio recording reached by our agency, the Faylaq al-Sham calls men to marry more than one woman. The women objecting to the decision have been reportedly threatened. NuJINHA spoke to Rîhan Loqo, Spokesperson of the Kongra Star of Rojava about the decision.

‘Women are subjected to all forms of violence’

Speaking about the occupation of Afrin, she said, “Thousands of women played an important role in the women’s revolution in the 21st century. The attacks on the existence, identity and strong will of women have been intensifying every day. In Afrin, women, who struggle to exist, have been subjected to many crimes. They are subjected to all forms of violence. Young women are forced to marry members of factions. Children are taught the ideology of Daesh and the Turkish state instead of their mother language.”

The partnership of the US and Turkey

Rîhan Loqo also talked about the press brief of Matthew Miller, the Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, on August 2, 2023. “He said that Turkey is one of their partners and that the existence of Turkey in Afrin was not an intention to alter the demographic change. His statement supports the policies currently implemented in Afrin. The US has a role and partnership in the killing of women in Afrin, Girê Spî and Serêkanîyê. In his speech, he also thanked Turkey for supporting refugees. This stance encourages the Turkish state to commit more crimes against civilians in the occupied areas. Saying that Turkey had no intention to alter the demographic change in Afrin is the approval of the war crimes committed against civilians in Afrin by Turkey.”

Noting that the speech of Matthew Miller has encouraged the Faylaq al-Sham, Rîhan Loqo said, “The Faylaq al-Sham decided that men can marry more than one woman. This situation causes the region to be more insecure and poses a threat to women's freedom and life. This decision is an attack on women’s identity. This decision is a right violation against women and children.’

‘We will not remain silent’

Mentioning the policies carried out against women in the occupied areas, Rîhan Loqo said, “We will not remain silent against misogynistic policies. Women lead the revolution and they will end the occupation of the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions. Women should not bow to the patriarchal mindset. As women, we must strengthen our struggle and solidarity in North and East Syria, Kurdistan, Middle East and all around the world. Women, who struggle for freedom, humanity, democracy and human rights must say no to rights violations committed by the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions in the occupied Afrin, Serêkanîyê and Girê Spi. In these areas, the attacks on women, children and nature continue. I call on women all around the world to raise their voices against these crimes.”