SORGUL ŞÊXO

Hasakah- People living in the areas occupied by the Turkish state and Turkish-backed factions in North and East Syria have been subjected to many crimes against humanity such as kidnapping, rape, execution, murder and torture. Despite its crimes, no step has been taken to hold the Turkish state accountable.

She did not leave her village despite the bombardment

Meryem Hemdo Şêx Salih was injured in her back in a Turkish bombardment in the village of Til Shinan, Til Temir (Tell Tamer) town of the Jazira Canton, on August 15, 2021. Although she was injured in the bombardment, she did not leave her village. Meryem Hemdo Şêx Salih, the mother of three, is one of those who demand the Turkish state be held accountable for its crimes.

“We live in fear because we can be attacked at any time. When the bombardment started, I was at home. The artillery attack on the cement factory near our village started at 7 p.m. While I was thinking that our village would also be targeted, I saw two artillery shells hit my house. I was injured in the back. My 12-year-old daughter was next to me. She helped me to go out. The villagers saw me and took me to the hospital,” said Meryem Hemdo Şêx Salih while talking about the Turkish bombardment.

 ‘We do not want live in another country or city’

Since she was injured, Meryem Hemdo Şêx Salih has been suffering from many health problems. “I cannot carry heavy items. I have difficulty walking. I cannot do the household chores. I am always in pain, especially in winter.” Meryem Hemdo emphasized that the Turkish state committed a war crime by attacking her village. “It targeted civilians. Targeting civilians is a war crime. All we want is peace. We do not want to live in another country or city. We want to have a peaceful life in our village.”

 ‘The Turkish state should be held accountable’

After being injured, Meryem Hemdo Şêx Salih could not sleep at home for a year.

“The crimes committed by the Turkish state should be investigated and the Turkish state should be held accountable for its crimes. The Turkish state has killed and displaced many civilians. The Turkish state keeps targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure in North and East Syria. The Turkish state must leave our country.”