Representatives of Kurdish parties from Rojhilat (East Kurdistan) strongly warned in the Bundestag about the consequences of further militarization in Iran and at the same time presented their political approach of a “Third Way.” During a meeting with German parliamentarians on Wednesday, they made clear that Kurdistan plays a key role in resistance against the Iranian regime—and is at the same time particularly vulnerable to repression.
The meeting at the Paul Löbe House was hosted by Cansu Özdemir (The Left) and Max Lucks (Greens). In addition to other representatives from the Greens and The Left, members and staff from the CDU, SPD, and FDP also took part in the talks. The Kurdish delegation included, among others, Mostafa Ghazizadeh (Kurdistan Democratic Party–Iran, PDK-I), Ebrahim Alipour (PJAK), Shoan Vaisi (Komala), Shamal Piran (PAK), and Behrouz Ardalan (Xebat), representing the alliance of political parties from East Kurdistan.
Kurdistan as a center of resistance
Mostafa Ghazizadeh of the PDK-I stated that Kurdistan is “the most organized part of the opposition in Iran.” This role, he said, is reflected in general strikes and protest movements as well as in ongoing political resistance. At the same time, Kurds are particularly affected by state violence—from executions to systematic political persecution, he added.
“Third Way” against war and dictatorship
Referring to the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran, PJAK representative Ebrahim Alipour emphasized: “This war is not the war of the Kurds.” Instead, he said, the Kurdish movement is pursuing a “Third Way.” “This approach aims to reject war policies, protect civilians, and at the same time promote a political transition toward a federal, democratic, and decentralized Iran.”
Warning against militarization in Kurdistan
The delegation also stated that the Iranian regime has significantly increased its military presence in regions such as Kermanshah, Tabriz, and Urmia. They said this development carries the risk that new waves of repression could be launched against the population under the pretext of external conflict. The representatives warned that further militarization could be deliberately used to target opposition structures, particularly in Kurdistan.
“Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” and civil resistance
Shoan Vaisi of the Komala highlighted the “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” [Woman, Life, Freedom] movement as a central reference point, saying: “Kurdish parties are working to expand civil resistance while also building connections with other democratic forces in Iran. At the same time, local solidarity structures are being established to protect the population in times of crisis.” According to the delegation, weakening resistance in Kurdistan would have direct consequences for the entire democratic movement in Iran. Vaisi also recalled the targeted persecution of Kurdish politicians, including in exile, and referred to the assassination of Abdul Rahman Ghassemlou in Vienna in 1989.
Demands to Germany
The delegation called on the German government and the Bundestag not to ignore the potential consequences of further escalation. Given the lack of legitimacy of the Iranian regime, there is a risk of severe repression, they said, stressing that Germany should clearly oppose political instrumentalization in the context of the conflict and actively support the democratic aspirations of oppressed populations in Iran. The representatives also pointed to the large Kurdish diaspora in Germany and called for concrete protective measures.
[album=22127]
Leave a Reply