Academics, politicians, and intellectuals from all over the world continue to draw attention to the importance of the Rojava experience and to express their solidarity with the Kurdish people.
Achievements in Rojava under threat
Janine Wissler, a Left Party member of the German Federal Parliament, called on the international public to focus its attention on Rojava. Emphasizing that achievements such as a democratic constitution, social rights, and gender equality in Rojava are under threat, Wissler stated: “We are not turning our faces away from what is happening in Rojava. A valuable democratic project is in danger there. Kurdish fighters defeated ISIS and rescued the Yazidis. We will never forget this, and we will always stand by these fighters.”
Pointing out that there are photos and videos showing ISIS members being released, that people are being massacred, and that bombs are being dropped, Wissler said: “Stop the attacks on Rojava! The world must never remain silent in the face of this!”
End the arms trade with Turkey
Criticizing the German Federal Government, Wissler stated that for years the Turkish army has been bombing Rojava and Kurdish regions, yet Germany continues to transfer weapons to the aggressors. Saying, “End the arms trade with Turkey! Red carpets must not be rolled out for Erdoğan!” Wissler also criticized the German government for inviting al-Jolani to Berlin and emphasized that Syrians should not be deported.
Wissler, who participated in a solidarity action with Kobanê in Frankfurt, said: “The Federal Government of Germany must now clearly emphasize this: the rights of peoples and human rights stand above everything else. This principle also applies to Kurdistan. Long live Rojava, long live Kobanê. Jin Jiyan Azadî.”
Christian Laval, Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of Paris Nanterre. He co-directs the Groupe d’études sur le néolbéralisme et les alternatives (GENA):
“All friends of Rojava are watching with anguish and anger as the Syrian army and Islamist militias, aided by Ankara, attack Kurdish municipalist democracy. Rojava inspires many progressive movements around the world because it has opened up a new path in social and political organization: grassroots democracy. All genuine democrats must continue to support the Kurdish revolution in Rojava.”
Stefanie Prezioso, historian, professor and former MP, Switzerland:
“I firmly condemn the attacks against the Kurdish population in Syria and reiterate our support for the self-determination of the Kurdish people in Syria and elsewhere. I also support the progressive and democratic movements in Syria in their struggles against the authoritarian policies of the Syrian ruling authorities, dominated by Hay’at Tahrir Sham, which are fueling sectarian and ethnic tensions in the country.”
