ELIF AKGUL is a journalist based in İstanbul, Turkey.

Elif Akgül on the Turkish “virtual patrol squads” going after Kurdish social media users

01 Jan 2019  |  Index on Censorship  |  English  |  Kurdish Issues

The Turkish government has intensified its control over social media following the Gezi Park protests and the failed coup attempt in 2016, particularly targeting Kurdish users. With Kurdish media largely shut down, social media remains a critical outlet for Kurdish journalists and citizens. Lawyer Özcan Kılıç highlights the double standards and legal challenges faced by Kurdish journalists, who are often charged with making 'terrorist propaganda.' The government's virtual patrol squads monitor social media, leading to the arrest of hundreds for posts about sensitive topics like the Afrin invasion. Kılıç warns of an impending crackdown on social media posts from the past five years, especially those related to protests against Islamic State's attacks on Kobani.

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Kurdish Issues Censorship Social Media

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My first assignment as an intern at a local TV station was to go to a crime scene in Rome, Italy. Two people died as a result of an exchange of gunfire. It was a summer job, and at that time I was still studying to obtain my BA in Fine and Decorative Art at Sotheby's Institute of Art. I graduated ...

Syria's war liberates Kurdish women as it oppresses others

08 Mar 2016  |  Yahoo Entertainment  |  English  |  Kurdish Issues

Kurdish women in northern Syria's Rojava region have experienced significant social and political liberation amidst the ongoing Syrian civil war. Under the governance of a Kurdish party, Rojava has implemented strict legislation against polygamy, underage marriage, and violence against women. Women actively participate in political and military roles, with 40% of the militia force being female. The region's constitution enshrines women's rights, and numerous institutions have been established to support women's empowerment. In contrast, women in nearby Islamic State-controlled areas face severe oppression, including enforced veiling and sexual slavery. The ideological foundations of Rojava's women's revolution are attributed to Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The article highlights the stark differences in women's rights and freedoms between Rojava and Islamic State territories.

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Kurdish Issues War in Syria Women's Rights

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Gabriele Barbati is a journalist based in Rome, Italy.

25 Years After Worst Chemical-Weapon Massacre In History, Saddam Hussein's Attack On Halabja in Iraq, The City Is Reborn

16 Mar 2013  |  www.ibtimes.com  |  English  |  Kurdish Issues

Halabja, Iraq, commemorates the 25th anniversary of the largest chemical-weapons attack on civilians, perpetrated by Saddam Hussein against the Kurds in 1988, killing 5,000 people. Survivor Minira Abdul Qader, now blind, recalls the horrific events. The attack led to the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention, which most nations have signed. Halabja has since been rebuilt, with a monument and new housing for survivors. The Kurds now enjoy de facto autonomy and self-governance through the Kurdistan Regional Government. Despite progress, the long-term effects of the attack persist, with high rates of congenital defects and cancer among the population. Local authorities continue to support survivors and their families, while the world is reminded not to forget the tragedy.

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Kurdish Issues Chemical Weapons Historical Events

Mahmut Bozarslan is a journalist based in Diyarbakır, Turkey.

I worked particularly in East and Southeast of Turkey but especially in Norhern Iraq . During this time, I followed almost all terrorist incidents in the region and I made very successful stories. Because of my Kurdish language skill ...

Why was the 'jin, jiyan, azadî' slogan banned in Diyarbakır?

29 Nov 2024  |  www.voaturkce.com  |  Turkish  |  Kurdish Issues

The 'jin, jiyan, azadî' slogan, widely used by Kurdish women's organizations and symbolizing women's rights and freedom, has been banned in Diyarbakır by the police, citing its association with PKK terminology. Despite warnings, women continue to use the slogan, viewing it as a symbol of resistance and freedom. The ban has sparked criticism from various political and social figures, who argue that the slogan is a universal symbol of women's struggle for freedom and not a criminal act. The Diyarbakır Bar Association and Rosa Women's Association have also questioned the legality and rationale behind the ban.

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Kurdish Issues Women's Rights Freedom of Expression

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Shawn Carrié is a features reporter working in the Middle East since 2014, when he covered Operation Protective Edge in Israel and the Gaza Strip. He has since covered migration in Europe, politics in Turkey, culture in Iraq, and civil strife in America using photography, investigation and data ...

Kurdish grievances boil over at Istanbul polling station

24 Jun 2018  |  The National  |  English  |  Kurdish Issues

In Istanbul's Tarlabasi district, Kurdish grievances against the Turkish government surface during a heated exchange at a polling station. Residents, many of whom fled violence in the Kurdish-majority southeast, express frustration with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and support for the pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party (HDP). The discussion highlights deep-seated issues of oppression, economic development, and political violence, with some voters criticizing President Erdogan's policies and the AKP's handling of Kurdish rights and freedoms.

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Kurdish Issues Turkish Politics Elections

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Carmela Caruso is a freelance reporter based in Asheville, North Carolina, United States of America with experience covering human rights, press freedom, and local news. She is a regular contributor for Voice of America and the Mountain Xpress.

In Turkey, Silence a Bigger Fear Than Arrest, Says Journalist

22 Aug 2023  |  Voice of America  |  English  |  Kurdish issues

The article discusses the high rate of violence against female and nonbinary journalists in Turkey, highlighting that the country accounts for around 20% of global violations. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) has documented a significant number of cases, particularly targeting Kurdish journalists and those covering women's issues. The Turkish government, under President Erdogan, has been criticized for its control over the media, leading to censorship and legal harassment of independent news organizations. The World Press Freedom Index ranks Turkey 165 out of 180 countries. The article includes the story of Safiye Alagas, a Kurdish journalist facing charges and potential imprisonment for her work. The European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF) notes an increase in censorship, with numerous articles being blocked and news agencies facing legal threats. Despite the risks, journalists like Alagas continue to report on issues they believe are important for society.

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Kurdish issues Violence against journalists Press freedom Censorship Human rights violations

Norma Costello is a journalist based in Dublin, Ireland.

Meet the Women of JINHA, the Kurdish All-Female News Agency

22 Jan 2016  |  www.vice.com  |  English  |  Kurdish Issues

JINHA, an all-female Kurdish news agency, operates under challenging conditions in Turkey, where its journalists face arrests and accusations of terrorism. Led by Fatima, the agency was established to provide an alternative narrative to mainstream media, particularly in reporting violence against women. Despite the risks, JINHA remains committed to documenting the reality of Kurdish women's struggles and preserving their history. The Turkish government's crackdown on media freedom and dissent is highlighted, with JINHA's work seen as a vital counter-narrative to state-controlled media.

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Kurdish Issues Women's Rights Media Freedom

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DILEK GUL is a journalist based in Istanbul, Turkey.

Graduated from Yeditepe University with a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature. Later, continued her postgraduate study in Political science and International Relations. Alongside her studies, she also started working as an ...

Me, a candidate in a Turkish prison. Kurds will not vote for Erdogan

11 Jun 2018  |  www.corriere.it  |  Italian  |  Kurdish Issues

Selahattin Demirtas, co-founder of the pro-Kurdish Hdp party, is running his presidential campaign from a prison cell in Edirne, Turkey, where he is detained on terrorism charges and faces up to 142 years in prison. Despite the limitations, he remains optimistic and continues to campaign through social media and support from outside. Demirtas criticizes President Erdogan for transforming Turkey into an 'open-air prison' after the failed coup attempt in 2016 and believes that the majority of Kurds will not vote for Erdogan's Akp in the upcoming elections. The interview highlights Demirtas's resilience and the political dynamics in Turkey ahead of the elections.

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Kurdish Issues Elections Turkish Politics

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Murat Karabulut is a journalist based in Ankara, Turkey.

In the developing and growing world, the interaction between people will increase;  I believe that the internet and social media will be even more effective.  In this context, I think that the role of the technical team in the media sector ...

CHP will continue its normalization strategy: 'When we don't fight, voters hear us'

01 Oct 2023  |  d33vxfhewnqf4z.cloudfront.net  |  Turkish  |  Kurdish Issue

CHP leader Özgür Özel emphasizes the continuation of the party's normalization strategy, which has helped reach voters from AK Parti and MHP. He criticizes the government's handling of economic issues and its approach to the Kurdish issue, advocating for a transparent and inclusive solution through the Turkish Parliament. Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu supports this stance, highlighting political maneuvers against CHP and stressing the importance of maintaining momentum for future success. The article reflects CHP's center-left political perspective and critiques of the current administration.

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Economic Issues Kurdish Issue Turkish Politics

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Davide Lerner is a freelance journalist based in Ankara, Turkey. He graduated from the London School of Economics and the London School of Oriental and African Studies. He has previously worked for Agence France Presse and Associated Press, as well as done live radio and TV. He freelances widely in ...

Among the Kurds in Diyarbakir: 'Erdogan Will Not Pass Here'

21 Mar 2017  |  La Stampa  |  Italian  |  Kurdish Issues

Hundreds of thousands gathered in Diyarbakir's Bağlar district to celebrate the Kurdish festival of Nevruz, amidst ongoing operations against the PKK by Turkish forces. Osman Baydemir of the pro-Kurdish HDP party rallied the crowd against President Erdogan, likening him to the mythical tyrant Zohak. The event, which saw only one casualty, comes a year after a military operation against the PKK that resulted in significant casualties and refugees. The article discusses the Kurdish issue in Turkey, the government's urban renewal program that threatens to demolish homes, and the potential impact of Kurdish votes on the upcoming referendum for a presidential system, which the crowd at Nevruz opposed.

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Kurdish Issues Political Unrest Cultural Festival

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Rastin Radvar is a Tehran-based journalist who has been working since 2014 under a pen name for safety. He contributes to various media formats, including audio podcasts, mini-documentaries, reportage videos, and written articles for top international media outlets. Currently, he serves as a ...

For Kurdish Smugglers, Iran Sanctions Are Starting to Bite

24 Feb 2019  |  Foreign Policy  |  English  |  Kurdish Smuggling Operations

The article discusses the plight of Kurdish smugglers, known as kolbars, who transport goods across the Iran-Iraq border. The kolbars face harsh conditions, carrying heavy loads through treacherous terrain and risking encounters with border guards. The intensification of U.S. sanctions against Iran and increased border surveillance by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have made their work more difficult and dangerous. The U.S. aims to economically isolate Tehran and has influenced the behavior of the Peshmerga, the military forces of the Kurdistan Regional Government, towards the kolbars. The article also touches on the historical marginalization of Kurds in Iran and the unfulfilled promises of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to the Kurdish minority. The economic desperation in Iranian Kurdistan drives many to smuggling as a means of survival, despite the high risks involved.

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Iran-Iraq Border Issues Kurdish Smuggling Operations Economic Impact of Sanctions US-Iran Tensions

Giacomo Sini is a journalist/photojournalist based in Livorno, Italy.

Giacomo born in Pisa, (Italy) in 1989 but has always been living in Livorno. In 2014 he obtained a degree in social sciences at Pisa University. By several years of work, has passed through fifty countries documenting their ...

Jinwar in Syria: The Village of Women

27 Jul 2022  |  www.furche.at  |  German  |  Kurdish Issues

Zeynep, a woman from Northern Kurdistan, shares her story of escaping an oppressive marriage and finding refuge in Jinwar, an eco-village in northeastern Syria founded on the principles of women's liberation inspired by Abdullah Öcalan. Jinwar offers a communal life free from patriarchy, where women like Zeynep can rebuild their lives. The region, however, remains under threat from Turkish forces and allied militias, who frequently target nearby areas. The article highlights the role of women fighters in the YPJ and the broader SDF in resisting occupation and promoting gender equality. The Assyrian Khabour Guard also plays a crucial role in protecting local communities from ongoing attacks.

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Kurdish Issues Women's Rights Conflict in Syria

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