Kobanê academics say PKK should be removed from ‘terror list’

The petition launched by the International Justice for Kurds Initiative demanding that the PKK be removed from the ‘terror list’ is receiving a great deal of attention. Thousands of intellectuals and academics from more than 30 countries have endorsed the campaign so far.

Academics from Kobanê who signed the petition spoke to ANHA and called for the annulment of the PKK ban.

‘PKK DEFEATED ISIS’

Kobanê University Faculty of Letters Co-Chair, Egîd Nasiro, emphasized that the PKK is fighting for the Kurdish people and that it is unacceptable to put the group on the “terror list”.

Nasiro stated that the PKK is fighting four occupying forces to liberate its lands. “The PKK is waging a war on terror in the region. Its struggle has been recognized by the whole world. The PKK has confronted the dangers facing the world. The PKK defeated ISIS which attempted to exterminate the Kurdish people in Şengal,” the academician said.

Nasiro pointed out that putting the PKK onto the ‘terror list’ is a crime against peoples. “The Turkish state regards every Kurdish individual as a potential enemy. The PKK is against the attempts to massacre the Kurdish people,” he added.

‘ISIS WOULD HAVE REIGNED IF PKK HAD NOT RESISTED’

Kobanê University Faculty of Letters Co-Chair, Heyfa Mihemed Ali, underlined that the PKK has never been a “terrorist” organization. “If the PKK had not resisted, ISIS would have grown stronger. We request once again that the PKK should be removed from the terror list.”

‘INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SHOULD ACT’

Sakine Ali from the Mathematics Department of Kobanê University emphasized that an organization which promotes a libertarian ideology cannot be designated as “terrorist”.

Ali said that the case of the PKK is a test for democracy, urging the international community to remove the PKK from the ‘terror list’.