On the first anniversary of Commander Rohat Rover’s (Azad Akıncı) death in a Turkish airstrike on 10 September 2024, Komalên Ciwan Coordination issued a statement commemorating him. The statement emphasized that Rohat Rover, through his struggle, humility, and courage, provided leadership for the youth movement: “We will take Comrade Rohat’s line of sacrifice as our basis in the struggle for Öcalan’s physical freedom.”
Komalên Ciwan Coordination’s written statement sai: “As the Apoist Youth Movement, on the first anniversary of his martyrdom, we remember with respect and gratitude our commander, Rohat Rover, the symbol of humility and perseverance. In the name of Rohat Rover, Eziz Ereb, and Helo Dersim, we bow before the memory and sacrifices of all revolutionary martyrs. The torch they lit illuminated the path of youth, and we will run with that light to achieve success and realize the dream of a free Kurdistan.
The Apoist Movement, which began with youth and sowed its seeds everywhere, sprouted like a sapling and, with the determination of self-sacrificing figures like Rohat Rover, grew into a great tree. Today, every young person can organize under its shade and benefit from its fruits. The Apoist Youth Movement has risen on the values of social history, spreading everywhere and gaining a universal character under the leadership of women and youth. This journey was not easy—it has been reached through 52 years of struggle and heavy sacrifices. One of those heroes was Comrade Rohat, who, for 20 years, continuously led with the spirit and dynamism of Apoist youth.”
He carried the essence of Apoist militancy everywhere he went
The statement continued: “As a child, Comrade Rohat witnessed Turkish state attacks and forced displacement policies, which planted in him a deep anger. This anger fueled his commitment to the struggle throughout his life. Even at a young age, his leadership qualities were clear. During the ‘Enough is Enough’ [Êdî Bes e] campaign, he was a pioneer of resistance against the isolation of Öcalan and the attacks on the Kurdish people. With his rebellious spirit, he mobilized thousands of youths into serhildans (uprisings), not allowing the occupiers to breathe in the streets of Kurdistan. His loyalty to his land and determination made him one of the symbols of the brave and fearless Kurdish youth.
As a vanguard of action and a young hero, he carried the essence of Apoist militancy wherever he went. Through his revolutionary march and life, he left a lasting mark in the hearts of our people. With every step, he strengthened his comrades’ faith in victory. Beginning in Bakur (North Kurdistan), he took on leadership responsibilities in Başûr, Rojhilat, Maxmûr, and Rojava. For 16 years, he continuously held leading roles in youth work, defending the will of youth and striving tirelessly to build its identity wherever he was. Even in the harshest times, when the enemy sought to extinguish the youth movement, he stood as an ideological shield and a successful defender of Öcalan’s line. With his organizational strength and determination, he taught us true commandership with humility and courage.”
The statement added: “With his dynamic, hardworking, and social personality, he fought everywhere for the freedom of the Kurdish people. The source of Comrade Rohat’s strength was his deep love and loyalty to Öcalan. With his knowledge of Öcalan’s ideology, he educated thousands of youths, bringing them into the ranks of the struggle for freedom. He felt Öcalan’s truth deeply and spread it door-to-door. He turned his anger at the international conspiracy into organization and mobilization, bringing people into the struggle. His determination allowed him to assume leadership across all four parts of Kurdistan, and in essence, he carried a universal character. He lived like a dervish, attaining perfection through his friendship and comradeship.
What stood out most in Comrade Rohat’s character was the free and equal friendship he built with his women comrades. He rejected the classical and feudal masculine stance, adopting instead the line of the free man, and fought on this basis. He saw success in the shared spirit of the women’s freedom line and built genuine friendships with every woman comrade on this foundation.”
The statement said: “It must be understood that the level of struggle the Kurdish people have reached today has only been possible through the sacrifices of heroes like Rohat and the labor of thousands of young martyrs. By taking on his historical responsibility, Öcalan has offered a great opportunity for social and democratic peace for the Kurdish people and humanity. As the Apoist Youth Movement, we pledge to take Martyr Rohat’s stance as the foundation in the struggle for Öcalan’s physical freedom. We will fight to the end on the line of sacrifice to achieve success in this process and to build a free life.
To uphold the truth of the martyrs means to realize their dreams and goals, and to go beyond them. Just as Comrade Rohat walked, so too must we walk in the essence of Öcalan’s line, spreading this truth to everyone. As the youth of all Kurdistan, first and foremost the youth of North Kurdistan and Turkey. We will protect the legacy of the martyrs everywhere and in every field of struggle.
On this basis, we once again remember with love, respect, and gratitude our immortal commander and exemplary figure of victory, and we renew our pledge to carry on his sacred legacy and struggle. We extend our condolences to the people and youth of Kurdistan, especially to the family of Martyr Rohat. As the Apoist Youth Movement, we declare that we will uphold this legacy.”