DEM Party Claims Genocide Initiative Against Kurds Launched

The DEM Party recently held a group meeting in Nusaybin, Mardin, near the Syrian border. This gathering was prompted by the ongoing attacks on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) by the Syrian army. Hundreds joined the march to protest these assaults, chanting “Long live the Rojava resistance” in Kurdish along the way.

Accusations of Genocide Against Kurds

During the press conference that followed the march, DEM Party Co-Chair Tülay Hatimoğulları accused the Syrian interim government of sabotaging peace efforts. She claimed that the government “flipped the table” during negotiations related to a March 10, 2025 integration agreement, thereby instigating conflict.

Hatimoğulları emphasized that there is an ongoing occupation of Rojava, warning, “The HTS is violating the March 10 agreement. As operations continue in Syria, officials from the ruling coalition in Turkey appear to direct these conflicts from abroad.”

Critiques of Turkish Government and International Response

Hatimoğulları further criticized the Turkish government and the international community, stating, “Those who support HTS and approve of this war are complicit in the ongoing genocide against the Kurds.” She called on global democratic forces and human rights advocates to unite against what she described as a Kurdish genocide.

• Hatimoğulları urged all democratic groups in Turkey to stand together against the war.
• She condemned the apparent contradiction of advocating for peace while ignoring the suffering of Kurdish people in Syria.

Statements from Party Leaders

Another co-chair, Tuncer Bakırhan, shared similar sentiments, asserting that the forces in northern Syria are committing mass atrocities. He claimed that external powers are supporting those involved in the violence against Kurds. “We demand an end to these irrational approaches aimed at isolating and destroying the Kurdish identity,” he argued.

Border Tensions and Responses

Amid the protests, tensions escalated as some participants attempted to cross the border. Despite police resistance, they managed to breach barriers and advance toward the area opposite Kamışlı. Soldiers responded with warning shots and called in reinforcements, ultimately dispersing the crowd.

During the incident, it was reported that a Turkish flag was taken down. Ayşegül Doğan, the party spokesperson, condemned this act, underscoring the need for respect toward national symbols and expressing disapproval of actions that provoke tensions during peaceful protests.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya labeled the flag incident as a “provocation from YPG terrorist supporters” and highlighted that such actions threaten national unity.

Call to Action

Hatimoğulları closed her remarks with a plea for unity against the advancing threats to Kurdish lives and rights. She urged both national and international communities to take a stand against the ongoing violence.

These developments underline the escalating tensions and highlight the ongoing conflict involving Kurdish rights in Syria and the impact of foreign interventions.