Ten years after the death of three Kurdish activists in Silopi, families, women’s organizations, and political parties commemorated the victims. Speakers warned against ongoing repression and emphasized the role of women in peace processes.
Kurdish activists Sêvê Demir, Fatma Uyar and Pakize Nayır were commemorated in Silopi district of Şırnak on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of their violent deaths. Relatives, members of political parties, women’s and human rights organizations, and numerous citizens took part in the memorial event on Monday.
Sêvê Demir was a member of the executive committee of the Democratic Regions Party (DBP), Fatma Uyar was co-chair of the Silopi People’s Council, and Pakize Nayır was an activist in the KJA women’s movement. On January 4, 2016, they were deliberately shot dead by Turkish soldiers during the curfew imposed on Silopi the previous month.
Spokespersons for the Free Women’s Movement (TJA) and the DBP praised the role of women in the struggle for equality. They emphasized that peace would not be possible without a change in political mindset. DEM Party spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan criticized the state’s obstruction of commemorations and protests, saying: “We have known the perpetrators for ten years. The silence is political. If we do not speak up for these women today, how can peace be achieved?”
Sakine Demir, mother of Sêvê Demir, said: “Our children wanted peace. They were killed because they stood up for dignity, language, and justice. Peace does not come through violence.”
A subsequent memorial march to the DEM Party district office was obstructed by the police. Journalists reported assaults. The participants nevertheless reached their destination – chanting the slogans “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” (Woman, Life, Freedom) and “Şehîd namirin” (Martyrs are immortal).