Journalist Osman Kılıç, director of the Fırat News Agency (ANF) and a long-time member of the free Kurdish press, was laid to rest in his hometown of Zokeyd in the Kurtalan district of Siirt. Kılıç passed away on Thursday in Tiel, the Netherlands, after a long illness.
In Zokeyd, the journalist was laid to rest with the participation of many people. Along with his family, representatives of the media associations DFG and MKG, as well as DEM Party members of parliament, including Sabahat Erdoğan Sarıtaş and Serhat Eren, attended the funeral. Members of civil society organizations were also present.
“We will continue his path”
During the ceremony, the slogan “Şehîd namirin” (The martyrs are immortal) was repeatedly chanted. Speaking on behalf of the aid organization MEBYA-DER, which supports the families of war victims, Abdurrahim Çetinkaya stated that Kılıç’s struggle and commitment would be carried forward.
Journalist Hakkı Boltan, a long-time companion, also recalled Kılıç’s dedication to the Kurdish press. “He was a very hardworking person. Through his work and commitment, he earned the respect of many people,” Boltan said. Many colleagues, he added, had taken inspiration from his dedication.
Boltan also recalled that Kılıç had been forced to go into exile in Europe. However, he never lost his connection to his homeland. “He did not see Europe as a comfortable refuge but continued to represent our people and our land,” he said. “We will try to work as hard as you did. We see this as your legacy.”
Tributes from political companions
DEM MP Sabahat Erdoğan Sarıtaş described Kılıç as part of a generation that has been fighting for truth and press freedom since the 1990s. “Osman never distanced himself from the reality of his people,” Sarıtaş said. Even in exile, she noted, he continued to work for truth and freedom. “We are grateful to those who gave their lives for freedom. Their struggle has brought the Kurdish people to this point,” she stated.
Journalist Halit Azizoğlu, who had previously worked with Kılıç, also recalled his dedication and offered condolences to the family.
Final words: “Berxwedan jiyan e”
Particularly moving was the speech by his sister Sebelan Kılıç, who explained that the family had been by his side until the very end. “We accompanied my brother until his last moment. He always said: this life ends, but a new one begins.” She said she had seen Osman Kılıç not only as a brother but also as a political companion. “He fought until his last breath. He never gave up the resistance.” His final words were: “Berxwedan jiyan e” — “Resistance is life.”
The family announced that condolences will be received over the next three days at the Sırrı Süreyya Önder condolence house in Kurtalan.
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