Sertaç Aktan is a journalist based in Brussel, Belgium.

European Parliament's Turkey rapporteur discusses EU-Turkey relations and Syria conflict

05 Apr 2023  |  ahvalnews.com  |  English  |  Kurdish Militancy

Kati Piri, the European Parliament's Turkey rapporteur, discussed the differing priorities of Turkey and the European Union regarding the conflict in Syria, with Europe more concerned about ISIS and Turkey focused on Kurdish militants. Piri expressed concerns about the impact of Turkey's military operations on freedom of expression and human rights within Turkey. She also touched on the potential consequences of Turkey moving to an executive presidential system, which could halt EU accession talks. Piri emphasized the need for Turkey to demonstrate progress on human rights to advance the update of its customs union with the EU. The interview also covered the EU's response to Turkey's referendum on the executive presidency and the importance of the rule of law and an independent judiciary for economic relations.

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Human Rights Kurdish Militancy Turkey-EU Relations Syria Conflict Islamic State Threat Freedom of Expression Customs Union Executive Presidential System in Turkey Refugee Crisis Constitutional Reforms

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 ...

No time for love, children, 'desires': meet the female Kurdish freedom fighters

30 Aug 2017  |  The Sydney Morning Herald  |  English  |  Kurdish Freedom Fighters

Female Kurdish fighters, particularly from the YJA Star and YPJ, are depicted as brave and dedicated individuals sacrificing personal desires for the cause of Kurdish independence and women's rights. The article details their rigorous lifestyle, ideological commitments, and significant role in combating Islamic State. It also touches on the broader political and military context, including the involvement of the PKK, the Syrian Democratic Forces, and the impact of Turkish military actions.

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Women's Rights Kurdish Freedom Fighters Conflict in the Middle East

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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  |  Women's Rights

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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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  |  Human rights violations

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 Human rights violations Violence against journalists Press freedom Censorship

Una Cilic is a multimedia journalist, currently based in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Pentagon Says Iranian Drone 'Attack' Hit Chemical Tanker Near India

23 Oct 2023  |  www.rferl.org  |  English  |  Human Rights

Iranian authorities executed eight people over the weekend, raising concerns about an increase in death sentences following a recent presidential election. Human rights groups report a significant rise in executions, particularly of Afghan nationals, who face unfair trials. Anti-Afghan sentiment is growing in Iran, exacerbated by social media claims linking Afghan migrants to health issues. Tehran is also pressuring Baghdad to extradite Iranian-Kurdish opposition members, following a security pact. The article highlights the systemic gender apartheid in Iran and Afghanistan, with calls for international recognition and action. The recent election of reformist Masud Pezeshkian is viewed skeptically, with doubts about his ability to implement significant changes.

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Kurdish Opposition Human Rights Executions in Iran Iranian Politics Anti-Afghan Sentiment Gender Apartheid

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Norma Costello is a journalist based in Dublin, Ireland.

How Iran’s protests erased the Kurds

23 Jan 2023  |  unherd.com  |  English  |  Kurdish Rights

The article discusses the impact of Jina Amini's death on the Kurdish community in Iran and the subsequent protests. It highlights the historical and ongoing oppression of Kurds by the Iranian regime, the uneasy alliance between Kurds and Persians during the protests, and the differing goals of these groups. Kurdish activists express concerns about being used as tokens by Persian protestors and fear that their issues will be overshadowed by broader gender movements. The article underscores the need for structural changes to address the deep-rooted injustices faced by Iran's minorities.

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Kurdish Rights Protests Iranian Politics

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Diego Cupolo is a multimedia journalist, photographer, and author of "Seven Syrians: War Accounts From Syrian Refugees" (2013 - 8th House Publishing).

His articles have appeared in The Atlantic, Foreign Policy and The New Statesman, among other publications. His photography and video clients ...

Ankara keeps jailed Kurdish leader from seeing lawyers, family

02 Dec 2021  |  Al-Monitor: Independent, trusted coverage of the Middle East  |  English  |  Human Rights

Turkish authorities have barred Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan from seeing his lawyers and family for two years due to 'disciplinary punishments.' This isolation has drawn attention following the Council of Europe's Committee of Ministers meeting, which initiated infringement proceedings against Turkey over the detention of philanthropist Osman Kavala and requested information on mechanisms to review life sentences. The European Court of Human Rights previously called for a review mechanism for life sentences without parole.

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Kurdish Issue Human Rights Turkish Politics

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Felix Gaedtke is a journalist based in Berlin, Germany.

Kurdish women rebels prepare to go to war in the country’s north-east

01 Oct 2013  |  The Caravan  |  English  |  Kurdish Rights

In Syria's north-east, Kurdish women are training at an all-women rebel camp to join the Women's Protection Unit (YPJ), part of the larger People's Protection Unit (YPG), to defend Kurdish regions amidst the Syrian civil war. The YPJ, emphasizing women's rights, operates independently from both the Assad regime and opposition rebels. The article highlights the historical repression of Kurds in Syria and the YPJ's role in protecting Kurdish territories and rights. The narrative underscores the empowerment of women through military training and their commitment to defending their homeland, while also addressing broader issues of gender equality and cultural rights.

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Kurdish Rights Syrian Civil War Women's Empowerment

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Ekrem Eddy Güzeldere is a political analyst and journalist. From October 2024 onwards he is based both in Northeastern Brazil (Paraíba) and Turkey (Istanbul-Izmir). He wrote his PhD on Brazil-Turkey relations and is specialized in both countries. 

After 13 years in Turkey, he was based in Berlin ...

Turkish captain ordered burning of Kurdish villagers in 1993, court rules

01 Oct 2021  |  www.duvarenglish.com  |  English  |  Human Rights Abuses

Turkey's Court of Cassation ruled that a Turkish captain ordered the burning of a Kurdish village in Muş in 1993, resulting in the deaths of nine people, including seven children. The incident, known as the Vartinis Massacre, was part of anti-PKK operations marked by severe human rights abuses. The legal process, initiated by survivor Aysel Öğüt, faced numerous delays and dismissals before the court's recent decision to retry Captain Bülent Karaoğlu. The case must reach a final ruling by October 2023 due to the statute of limitations.

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Kurdish Conflict Human Rights Abuses Legal Proceedings

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Burcu Karakas is a journalist based in İstanbul, Turkey.

Kurdish pupils denied language lessons in Turkey amid wider curbs, families say

06 Dec 2024  |  wnflsports.com  |  English  |  Kurdish Rights

The Turkish government's proposal to resolve the conflict with Kurdish militants has reignited discussions on Kurdish rights, particularly the right to Kurdish language education. Despite a 2012 initiative allowing Kurdish language classes, many Kurdish children in Turkey are unable to access these lessons due to a lack of teachers and awareness. The DEM Party and other Kurdish leaders emphasize the importance of mother tongue education for cultural identity and equality. The Turkish government, however, maintains restrictions, citing national unity concerns. The situation reflects broader tensions between the state and the Kurdish population, with ongoing detentions and political crackdowns.

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Kurdish Rights Language Education Turkish Politics

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Turkish journalist with bylines from Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Greece as well as other countries, and from across Turkey. 

As well as reporting on the Turkey beat, I have been part of months-long investigations for the New York Times, and have ...

In pictures: Turkey's Kurds celebrate Nowruz in Diyarbakir amid hunger strike

21 Mar 2019  |  Middle East Eye  |  English  |  Kurdish Rights

Turkey's Kurds celebrated Nowruz in Diyarbakir amid deteriorating health conditions for hunger strikers protesting the isolation of PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan. Leyla Guven, a pro-Kurdish parliamentarian, continues her protest from home despite severe health issues. Rights groups are unable to monitor the 5,000 inmates on hunger strike. HDP co-chair Pervin Buldan called for an end to Ocalan's isolation, emphasizing peace, democracy, and freedom. The Turkish government has not formally acknowledged the protests as local elections approach.

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Kurdish Rights Nowruz Hunger Strike

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Multimedia journalist (print/audio/video) -  BBC, Al Jazeera, The Irish Times, Global Post, Forbes, European Voice (now politico.eu) and many others. Westminster-based - over the past decade, I have covered subjects as diverse as Brexit, Scottish independence, Canadian native rights, narco-...

Escape from Iran: ‘My dream was to be a primary teacher. Now I’m holding a gun’

26 Oct 2022  |  The Irish Times  |  English  |  Kurdish Rights

Rezan, a 19-year-old from Sanandaj, Iran, joined the protests following the death of Mahsa 'Zhina' Amini in police custody. Facing the threat of arrest by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for her participation, she fled to Iraqi Kurdistan with the help of her parents and a smuggler. Rezan, whose dream was to become a primary teacher, is now part of the PAK's female regiment, learning about Kurdish history and culture while adapting to her new life as a freedom fighter.

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Kurdish Rights Iran Protests Political Asylum

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Henrik Merker is a journalist based in Leipzig, Germany. Specialized on political extremism, investigative journalism, fact checking and fixing.

Kurdish Demonstration in Halle: 'They even bombed stables in our village'

05 Feb 2018  |  www.mz.de  |  German  |  Kurdish Rights

A demonstration in Halle, Germany, saw 350 Kurds and supporters protesting against Turkish military operations in Afrin, Syria, and calling for an end to German arms exports to Turkey. Participants, including refugees from Afrin, shared personal accounts of the destruction and hardships faced by their families due to the Turkish military's actions. The protest highlighted the ongoing struggle for Kurdish rights and the impact of the conflict on civilians, with calls for international intervention and support.

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Kurdish Rights Turkish Military Operations German Arms Exports

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Ellen Nemitz is a Brazilian journalist based in Curitiba covering politics, human rights, science and environment.

The Kurds: A stateless nation striving for self-determination

01 Nov 2024  |  www.fairplanet.org  |  English  |  Kurdish Independence

The Kurds, a large ethnic group without a state, have faced a century of marginalization and human rights abuses in their quest for self-determination. Despite being scattered across Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, they maintain a strong cultural identity. Historical and ongoing discrimination, such as the Anfal campaign and restrictions in Turkey and Syria, highlight their second-class citizenship status. Recent developments, like the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq and the Autonomous Administration in Syria, offer some autonomy, yet an independent Kurdistan remains elusive. NGOs like the Peace and Freedom Organization play a crucial role in advocating for Kurdish rights and preserving their cultural heritage.

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Human Rights Abuses Kurdish Independence Statelessness

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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  |  Women's Rights

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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Italian journalist based in Lyon, France, recently working also from Brussels.
I have worked for over 20 years on the Kurdish issue, mainly in Turkey, but I have also travelled to Iraqi Kurdistan and Rojava, Syria. I published a book on my travels throughout the borders in the mainly Kurdish-...