Switzerland: Attack against the Turkish Consulate General in Zurich

In the night of the 25.8. to the 26.8.2015, we attacked a car on the terrain of the Turkish general consulate at the Weinbergstrasse 65 in Zurich with an explosive device after the Turkish state launched a massive attack against progressive forces in the region with cover from the USA, NATO and the Barzani clan in Iraq in the past weeks. We are in solidarity with the struggle for a free Rojava and the struggle of the revolutionary movement in Turkey!

After a long period of a strategy of tension and the massacre in Suruc on July 20th (where more than 30 comrades from different political tendencies died and dozens were injured), the Turkish state has launched an open attack against the progressive movement. On the one hand, this represents continuity in the collaboration of the AKP with the “Islamic State” and in the struggle of the AKP against progressive forces. Since the city of Kobane on the Syrian-Turkish border was massively attacked by the “IS” in the fall of last year and the military contention around Kobane and the liberation of the city became international focal points for the revolutionary process, it has been shown time and time again how the Turkish state aids the gangs of “IS” while those fighting with the YPG/J are hindered. This was shown exemplary in the treatment of the wounded from Syria. While those supporting “IS” could be transported to Turkey withouth hindrance and didn’t have much to fear, fighters of the YPG/J had to be smuggled across the border and had to fear being arrested while in the hospital bed. Recently, six YPG/J fighters were even extradited to the Al-Nusra-Front by Turkey! Other examples are the refusal of a humanitarian corridor to Kobane for medicine or food, the documented shipments of weapons by the Turkish secret service MIT to the “IS” or the obvious acceptance of recruitment centres of the “IS” in Turkey. In this sense, the attack in Suruc on July 20th (while Kobane was attacked in parallel with car bombs) which was only possible with the support of the MIT and other security institutions of the Turkish state in this city was only the consistent continuation of AKP-politics against the movement.

On the other hand, this attack was of course also an escalation, a qualitative change in the attack against the revolutionary movement in the region. It wasn’t the first attack by “IS” against progressive forces in Turkey within the context of a strategy of tension (for example the bombs against events of the legal HDP or the sneaky attack against Kobane on June 25th from Turkish soil), but in it’s quality and goals targeting the solidarity explicitly, this attack was different to previous ones. This is also shown in the subsequent actions of the AKP government after this attack. The massacre of Suruc was the kick-off to a broad attack of the Turkish state against all revolutionary forces (prior to this attack, the state attacked the movement via “IS”, now it attacks openly).

This broad attack is presumably driven by (at least) two motivations. On the one hand, Erdogans speculates that in a climate of war and fear the AKP will gain the votes necessary to introduce a presidential system of their liking. On the other hand, it is certainly also the case that a chance was seen to try to halt the revolutionary process in the region. Beside the geo-strategisch importance of the region as it is, where it is in the interest of imperialist forces to have forces in power that favor them (like the Barzani clan in northern Iraq), the struggle for Kobane and then Rojava has reached a political dimension which must be a pain for those in power. Because the struggle there shows that a perspective is possible which stands outside of capitalist or imperial logic. It is important to not neglect this dimension when trying to evaluate the current situation.

In this sense, it is only consistent when the USA and the NATO approves of the airstrikes by Turkey against Qandil or the attacks by the police and military against cities and neighborhoods with a strong presence of revolutionary forces. Not only because they were allowed the use of the airfield Incirlik in Turkey, but also because it would fit their agenda if Rojava were governed by forces like the Barzani clan, who have proven in their history to be loyal to imperialist forces.

Despite or maybe even because of the growing complexity of the conflict in the region, the fundamentals shall not be forgotten. The movement in Rojava is an emancipatory moment with an incredible power, it is not the time to stand aside but to support this path in solidarity. The same is valid for the revolutionary forces in Turkey whose strengthening has been helped by the experiences in the struggle around Gezi-Park and now by the inspiration from Rojava. Confronted with the attacks against them by the Turkish state which also consist of executing militants, we must of course support them.

International solidarity is practical and not dependent on seasonal fluctuation but driven by the necessity of actions because of political reference points and principals. We don’t stand here today and there tomorrow, but at the side of the revolutionary forces fighting for a society with socialist elements. There exist different forms of international solidarity, one was the support of the defense of Kobane through massive pressure from the streets of Europe, others are the support of the military struggle (as in the context of the International Freedom Brigade) or in the reconstruction of the destroyed cities (as was the campaign targeted on July 20th in Suruc, carried by the federation of socialist youth groups and bringing together different forces). Finally it can be a contribution to push forward the revolutionary process here and connect it to the revolutionary process there to advance together.

Solidarity and power to all fighters for a free Rojava!
Solidarity and power to all fighting for a revolutionary perspective!

For a revolutionary perspective

(via 325nostate)

Australia: Drop The Charges Against Jamie Williams!

The Melbourne Anarchist Communist Group calls on the Australian Government to drop the charges against Jamie Williams and release him unconditionally. He was arrested on 27 July and charged with “preparing for incursions into foreign countries for the purpose of engaging in hostile activities”. The substance of the charge is that he attempted to leave Australia to join the YPG forces in Syria fighting Daesh, which styles itself as the “Islamic State”.

We do not know whether Jamie Williams was actually trying to join the YPG, but we would have only admiration for him if he was. The YPG-YPJ (People’s Protection Units – Women’s Protection Units) of the PYD (Democratic Union Party) are defending the Kurdish communities of Rojova in Syria against the barbarous forces of Daesh and are doing so very effectively. Further, in the areas of Rojova the YPG-YPJ are protecting, there is a social transformation being conducted which has the potential to be greatly liberatory and to inspire revolutionary workers’ movements across the region.

We say only “potential” because the PYD are allying themselves with US imperialism in its military assault on West Asia, something that undermines the libertarian socialist goals for which the PYD claims to be struggling. While this alliance brings certain tactical benefits (having F-22s take out Daesh vehicles and field HQs definitely made defending Kobanê easier), they are greatly outweighed by the strategic disadvantage of the barriers it puts up between the Kurdish and Arab peoples of the region. The MACG therefore calls on the PYD to break with the United States and throw its lot in with the workers and oppressed masses of West Asia instead. US intervention in West Asia will kill far fewer jihadis than it will recruit for Daesh, something not unconnected to the fact that the US has killed far more people in the region than Daesh ever will.

Regardless of the PYD’s short-sighted choice of friends, however, its struggle against Daesh is greatly progressive and should be supported by workers in Australia and around the world. And if workers in Australia like Jamie Williams decide to join the YPG-YPJ or radical bands allied to them, the Australian Government shouldn’t stand in their way.

FREEDOM FOR JAMIE WILLIAMS!

LONG LIVE THE ROJAVA REVOLUTION!

(via Melbourne Anarchist Communist Group)

Suruç Massacre: Solidarity from Melbourne

27.07.15: A solidarity action took place outside the Turkish consulate in Melbourne on Monday in response to Turkish state complicity in the Suruç Massacre and in response to the international call out made by Anarşi İnisiyatifi (Anarchy Initiative) who lost four of their comrades in the attack. 

A group of about 20 mostly anarchist activists gathered outside the consulate at around 5PM with banners and signs condemning the massacre and the involvement of the Turkish state, there were also signs expressing support for the ongoing Rojava Revolution. Of the two large banners that were unfurled outside the consulate, one read: 'Solidarity With Suruç From Melbourne! Stop Turkish State Sponsored Terror!' while the other banner read: 'In Memory Of Evrim Deniz Erol, Alper Sapan and Medali Barutçu - Solidarity Is Our Weapon!' 

There were two speeches made with the speakers expressing solidarity with the people of Suruç, the Kurdish struggle in Rojava and elsewhere in Kurdistan, condemning the Turkish state for their involvement in the Suruç massacre and for their recent airstrikes against the PKK as well as the shelling of YPG/J positions inside Rojava. Mention was also made of the brutal crackdown against the Kurdish movement and the Turkish left inside Turkish state controlled territories - a crackdown that has resulted in mass detentions and the extra-judicial killings of at least 3 young activists. 

As expected there was the usual over the top presence of both state and Federal police officers who were stationed in front of the consulate doors and across the road from where the demonstration took place. A staffer from the consulate was also observed taking photographs of the action. 

Solidarity With The People of Suruç!

Long Live The Memories of Evrim Deniz Erol, Alper Sapan, Medali Barutçu And All The Young Revolutionaries Who Died In The Suruç Massacre!

Long Live The Rojava Revolution And The Kurdish Resistance!

Increase The Pressure Against Turkish State Terror! 

Suruç Massacre: A message from Sydney

28.07.15: With sadness and anger, people demonstrated at Turkish consulates in Sydney and Melbourne Australia yesterday 5pm to condemn the Turkish state’s complicity in the Suruc massacre and commemorate those fallen in the attack.

We stand with those fighting both the overt and covert state sponsored terrorism of the Turkish state, with Kurdish liberation fighters, and with all who are brave enough to resist in the face of such repression. Let it be known, as our banner read ‘We stand with Kobane’ and are inspired and strengthened here by the resistance over there, thank you. 

In Sydney attempts by local police to intimidate us on social media, demanding forms be filled out to determine our protest ‘legitimate’ were ignored, supposedly justifying the heavy policing on the day. We do not recognise the authority of the white colonial state known as Australia. 

Standing with the Aboriginal flag, we remind ourselves of the historical and ongoing state violence against First Nations people here. With its bloody and racist policies, we are disgusted by the hypocrisy of the so-called Australian state attempting to tell us what is ‘legitimate’ or not. Decolonise now- full sovereignty for Aboriginal communities! Kurdish liberation now!

‘We stand with Kobane’ 

‘Turkish state = terrorist state’

Anarşi İnisiyatifi / Anarchy Initiative Call for Worldwide Solidarity Demonstrations Against the Turkish State July 26, 2015

Turkish-based anarchist group Anarşi İnisiyatifi (Anarchy Initiative) are calling on the global anarchist community to hold worldwide demonstrations outside Turkish consulates on July 26, 2015 at 7PM in response to the government of Turkey's complicity in the Suruç, Massacre. 32 young people were murdered in the suicide bombing committed by the so-called Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL/Daesh) including 2 anarchist comrades: Alper Sapan from Anarşi İnisiyatifi Eskişehir and Evrim Deniz Erol. The 32 comrades from various socialist, communist and anarchist youth groups were planning to cross the border from Turkey / North Kurdistan into Kobane in Rojava to deliver gifts for the war-affected children of the city and to participate in the reconstruction of war-ravaged Kobane.

"In 20 July 2015, (at least 32) people, some of our anarchist comrades, who went to Suruc for reconstruction of Kobane were killed by an ISIS suicide bomber. Turkish Republic still continues to support ISIS underhand. We will maintain our fight with all our strength to block all their paths.

Our call to the world anarchists:
26 July 2015, at 7PM for enlarging our anger and rebellion in front of consulates of Republic of Turkey where you live! In Solidarity with!
Anarchy Intitiative."

(via Anarchy In Istanbul)

Rojava Solidarity Australia Statement On The Suruç Massacre

Rojava‬ Solidarity Australia unequivocally condemn the cowardly and barbaric attack against the young people who were gathered in solidarity with Kobane that took place in ‪Suruç‬ on 20.07.15.

This callous, inhumane act that was committed against young activists who were preparing to cross the border into ‪Kobane‬, Rojava in order to deliver gifts for war-affected children and to assist in the reconstruction of the war-ravaged city is nothing short of an atrocity carried out by enemies of humanity who falsely believe that they can crush the international Rojava solidarity movement via acts of terror and cowardice.

We would like to express our deepest sympathies and condolences to the many people who lost loved ones in this cowardly attack. Our thoughts are also with the many people who were injured and we wish them all swift recoveries.

Even though what took place was a horrific and terrible crime of the highest magnitude we take some degree of comfort in the knowledge that this despicable attack will not in any way alter the resolve of the international Rojava solidarity movement to continue actively supporting both the Rojava revolution and the reconstruction of Kobane.

Rojava Solidarity Australia

21.07.15.

The International Freedom Battalion of Rojava and participation from Greece

English translation of a statement issued in April 2015 by RUIS (Revolutionary Union for Internationalist Solidarity) from Greece declaring that they have joined the International Freedom Battalion​ of internationalist communist and anarchist volunteers who are defending the Rojava revolution.

The Revolutionary Union for Internationalist Solidarity is a formation for struggle with the aim to practice solidarity in the international field of armed conflicts on the the side of the classes of the oppressed who fight towards social liberation from the domination of states and of capital.

Solidarity in practice should bear characteristics of a common struggle at every critical point, a struggle which creates the world of revolution and which through its radical character, breaks the boundaries of tyranny, of oppression and of exploitation.

Specially, in responding to the call-out of MLKP for international solidarity we decided to take part with commitment to the necessities of the social struggle in Kurdistan.

We are there to offer our services to the struggle and to learn from the multi-faceted and resourceful living revolutionary process.

We recognize in this struggle:

-Its fundamental class character
-Its anti-fascist and anti-imperialist character
-Its social liberation character

Along with the multiform reinforcement of the revolutionary forces in Syria, Iraq, Turkey and the wider Middle East, the Revolutionary Union for Internationalist Solidarity aims to open up a path of solidarity from Greece, which will not only attempt to realize the vision of  Internationalist Revolutionary Solidarity, but will also pursue the coordination and collaboration beyond the local boundaries.

Even though we have formulated our own political program towards libertarian communism, we recognize the fundamental value of a broad collectivization based on a broad range of conditions while at the same time each participant maintains their autonomy.

FOR THE SOCIAL REVOLUTION

R.U.I.S. 

April 2015

(via Athens Indymedia)

Rojava: YPG announces death of German fighter Kevin Jochim

YPG Press Office announced the death of German fighter Kevin Jochim (Dilsoz Bahar) in a clash in Silûk town of Girê Spî, Rojava (West) Kurdistan, on 6 July, 2015.

In a press statement on its website, YPG said that Rojava continued to set an example of fraternity of peoples despite all the counter approaches, adding; "All opponent forces, the ISIS gang organization in the first place, desire to turn Rojava into a place or center of conflicts among peoples on the grounds of their nation, belief and sects. This is why they have put all such attempts and provocations into practice. Still, the wariness of our people has eliminated these plans despite all their efforts and despicable plans."

Pointing out that the philosophy embraced by the people of Rojava played a major role in the elimination of these plans, YPG said this philosophy which was based on sharing culture, neighborhood, embracing of each other had today proved the democratic nation project to be the most contemporary instance of solution.

YPG continued, underlining that; "This stance has an influence on not only the neighboring Kurdish, Arab, Persian, Assyrian and Turkish peoples, but also all the freedom adorers throughout the entire world, thanks to which the support for the revolutionary struggle in Rojava always remains high and strong. Youths from across the world are coming to Rojava, uniting here and taking their place in the defense of free life on the fronts of resistance. The sacred land gets wet with blood and tear."

YPG said that one of these heroes was comrade Kevin Jochim (Dilsoz Bihar), of German origin, who was born into an esteemed family in the German city of Karlsruhe on 2 November, 1993. He joined the ranks of the freedom struggle in 2012, after which he took place in numerous daring battles and played an important role in the liberation of ISIS-occupied villages and settlements within the Operation Commander Rubar Qamishlo.

YPG said that comrade Dilsoz unfortunately fell a martyr in clashes in the Şergirat village of Silûk town on 6th July, 2015.

Pledging to pursue the objectives and dreams of comrade Dilsoz, and to do the best to succeed against darkness, YPG extended condolences to martyr Dilsoz's family, and the Kurdish and German people.

YPG gave the following information regarding the profile of the fallen German fighter;

Nom de guerre : DILSOZ BAHAR
Name : KEVIN JOCHİM
Mother's name: MAORİNE KOSTLUK
Father's name : FREİDİ BENKLER
Place of birth : KARLSRUHE- GERMANY
Martyred : 6.7.2015, ŞERGIRAT VILLAGE, SULUK

(via ANF News)

Spain: International Brigade comrades Paco & Martos released on conditional bail

According to the Spanish mainstream press, National Court judge Eloy Velasco has released Paco and Martos, the two comrades from the International Brigade who fought for six months against Daesh / Islamic State in Rojava. The two comrades have been charged with membership of a 'terrorist organization' along with associated charges (see here) and have been released on conditional bail. The conditions of the comrade's bail are weekly reporting to the police, surrendering of their passports and a ban on leaving the country.

Solidarity with Paco and Martos!
The Spanish state must drop the charges!
International Solidarity is not a crime!

Spain: Two members of the International Brigade who fought in Rojava arrested

via 325nostate

URGENT: 2 SPANISH MEMBERS OF INTERNATIONAL BRIGADE ARRESTED

During this morning, the repressive forces of the Spanish State are carrying out the arrest of the comrades who have been fighting the fascist forces of DAESH (Islamic State) in Rojava. Due to the lack of further information, we ask you for support, solidarity and spreading the message.

The homes of the comrades were searched by investigators of the Provincial Brigade Intelligence Office of the Madrid police. These comrades are two militants of the Partido Marxista-Leninista (Reconstrucción Comunista) that are accused by the police of appearing in this video. Police said that the two activists came into Syria via Turkey and Germany. They are accused of participating in an armed conflict outside Spain without the permission of the State, of collaborating with a terrorist organization (this is probably the PKK – Kurdish People’s Party being described here), use of military weapons and explosive devices, and of seriously undermining Spanish national interests. Reconstrucción Comunista is an organization composed of members of the Communist Youth who have broken with the Partido Comunista de España, PCE. Its founding members initially were active in this organisation before founding their own organization, close to the MLKP (Marksist-Leninist Komünist Partisi – Turkey) in 2009.

WE WANT THE SPANISH MEMBERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL BRIGADE WHO HAVE FOUGHT ISIS TO BE RELEASED WITHOUT CHARGES!

DEFENDING THE CIVIL POPULATION FROM ISIS TERRORIST ATTACKS CAN’T BE PERSECUTED!

FREEDOM FOR THE ANTIFASCIST COMBATANTS!

INTERNATIONALIST SOLIDARITY IS NOT A CRIME!

Info from Marxist-Leninist Party (Reconstrucción Comunista), 6th July 2015, via RHI-SRI – Secours Rouge.

From Tuzluçayır to Kobane: Interview With An Anarchist Warrior

The following article is an interview with an environmentalist, vegetarian anarchist from Turkey who is a member of Sosyal isyan (Social Insurrection) fighting as part of Birleşik Özgürlük Güçleri (United Freedom Forces) alongside the YPG / YPJ in Kobane, Rojava. The interview was conducted by H. Burak Öz and originally appeared on the jiyan.org website. We would like to thank the comrade Ece for translating the interview into English for us.

Environmentalist, vegetarian, anarchist combatants who fight in Kobane. 

We are sitting at the headquarters of United Freedom Forces (Birleşik Özgürlük Güçleri) in Kobane. I ask for a cigarette from a fighter aiming to meet and talk with him. While he offers one, I’m asking how many group form the United Freedom Forces. He says that, this force consist of salvationists (Kurtuluşçular), MLSPB, TDP and anarchists and indicates that he is an anarchist too.

What is the aim of fighting here for the anarchists?

I’m one of the founders of Social Insurrection and also their spokesperson. When the attack of ISIS started in Kobane, in the name of international solidarity, not considering it too much, we idealized to raise the defense as International Brigades much like in the Spanish Civil War. 

United Freedom Forces was formed by different socialist factions from Turkey. Being an anarchist, how did you become involved with this structure?

United Freedom Forces was founded when we arrived. We made a call to anarchists and ecologists. 

Are there any other anarchist fighters who came from other countries than Turkey? 

Comrades came from Italy and Spain. There is also an Argentinian anarchist who fights not with us but in YPG. 

When was Social Insurrection founded?

Social Insurrection was founded in 2013 in the tents of resistance in Tuzluçayır. (District in Istanbul Turkey - translator)

Why did you prefer a black and green flag?

Both because of the memory of Makhno peasants and also because of the fact that we are also ecologists.

What sort of a structure does Social Insurrection have? 

We defend class war and reject neo-liberal anarchism. Mostly we have classical anarchist, Makhno and Proudhonian comrades. Generally, we have a platformist comprehension. We can call Social Insurrection as: we didn’t take Bakunin, Proudhon, Luigi, Galleani, Malatesta etc as they were. We examined every anarchist and added our own thoughts and said that we are the Social Insurrectionists.

When did you enter the armed struggle?

 We defended armed struggle from the beginning of our foundation. Specifically, we were influenced by the view of insurrectionist anarchism of Alfredo M. Bonanno. We founded our own insurrectionist theory. We believe that the revolution will start with armed struggle. First, 3-5 armed acts in Turkish slums like Okmeydanı and now, this all led us to Kobane. But first of all, we dreamed about it.. If we hadn't dreamed about it and tried to practice it, we would just be drinking beers in a bar in Kadıköy or Beyoğlu. Some of our comrades stayed as they were. 

How is the approach of Kurdish Movement to you in Kobane?

In some way, our presence in Kobane shows that anarchist armed struggle didn’t end in the Spanish Civil War. At the beginning, socialist and Apoist (defenders of Abdullah Öcalan) friends were surprised to see anarchists using guns in here. A kind of an idea of anarchism created in minds. Actually, people don't really know anarchism in here. They know anarchists as against everything and to all sorts of organization. There is a nice statement by Kropotkin: “Anarchy is order.” We’re explaining and taking the responsibility of it. Even though its responsibility is hard to take, we’re trying to manage it.

In which point does theory of the ecological anarchism and the practice in Kobane overlap?

We lived such things in here that we couldn’t figure according to which movement we have to act, we couldn’t find the answer in books.

Like what? 

This is a military war. For example, we reject all sort of hierarchy but in here, you have to have a team commandant. You can’t give a walky-talkie to everyone in here or no one can act in his/her own way. Maybe the naturality creates its own priorities. We understood what the guidance of Malatesta and natural leadership of Bakunin was here, which we hadn't understood while reading. There was information, we practiced it and we obtained information once again.

What were you dreaming about before coming to Kobane and what did you find?

I thought I would have some problems about the chain of command but I didn’t. I didn’t confront with any sort of pressure or difficulty within YPG and United Freedom Forces. Some of our comrades may have screamed while a bullet passed near our heads in stressful times of war but it’s normal. 

Didn’t any ecological problems occur?

There was an orientalist point of view such as there was a need for people to come here to fill the gap of awareness. For example, comrades from Italy wanted to import organic agriculture but there are people who already know organic agriculture and they apply it. They are talking about ecology. A Spanish comrade insisted on “not using diesel oil to light a fire”. You’re in a place where diesel oil costs 7 cents. Wood is more expensive and you can’t find it easily because the place is generally a desert. There are olive trees but they are planted with agriculture. You can’t cut them. So, its absurd to tell these people “don’t use diesel oil, why do you use diesel oil to warm up?” 

You told us earlier that comrades from United Freedom Forces asked socialist friends not to eat meat and to apologize to the animals that they’ve killed but when you were cut off from supplies, you ate mostly meat. Can you talk about that? 

So many things happened in the mountains. Supplies didn’t arrive. We were hungry and there wasn’t anything else other than the ducks that were left behind by the villagers. When the comrades began cutting the ducks, I said “what are you doing? It’s murder!” but I said it detached from reality, as a reflex. Things that we do according just to theory had collapsed. 

You are fighting with socialists in the same group. Have any theoretical discussions occurred among you?

Even when they do, they are more like banter. We never had a problem. Us and them, we are all conscious that we came here for international solidarity. We are all acting accordingly to revolutionary ethics. We sleep side by side and we eat together. We are trying to understand each other. Maybe we need a new revolutionary theory in the 21st century that this practice may add something into, in terms of understanding each other.

You must have had some times that you approached to death. What do you think of in such moments?

I definitely had but in battlefront, you think of your comrades. Maybe there are some moments of fear and panic but when you hear gun sounds, they all disappear. I mean, you develop a reflex to protect yourself and your comrades.

What is this Coca-Cola can?

Don’t touch! It’s a handmade bomb.

Rojava: Tribute to Fallen Combatant Reece Harding from Australia

For the Media and Public Opinion

JAZIRA, Rojava (July 1, 2015) – Through history, with any identity that it might be, humanity has assembled around definitions such as freedom, equality and peace – and it always has risen in defiance of tyranny, oppression and cruelty. Freedom-lovers throughout the entire world have continuously been involved in a struggle to leave a free and peaceful future for their children.

The Kurdish people has played a big role in this revered struggle of peoples, as they continue to conduct their significant part. For thousands of years the pressure and war of deadly powers has not been reduced, yet our relentless people have always stood strong in face of those dark forces and have held high the flag of struggle. In order to grant freedom and democracy, whatever price it has been required, these people have paid confidently. This struggle of Kurdish people can be taken into account as the hardest and longest struggle of human history. Today, a streamer of this respected battle is waved by proud combatants of the People’s Defense Units and the Women’s Defense Units in Rojava Kurdistan, Syria.

This valued fight of our forces today has echoed widely throughout the entire world, and has been of abundant hope and belief for freedom-loving young men and women. For that, willing individuals from all around the world step forward to come to Rojava and be a part of this shared struggle of peoples. This assembly and reaching each other, defines well that humanity still lives with the same principles and purity. How hard determined unrighteous ones try, warriors who march taking those principles as value, are more resolute to let not the enemy forces a single opportunity.

We have come to know many precious and courageous fighters through this struggle. Many who first were not familiar with their culture, language and life, collected about a sign of freedom, knew each other and shoulder-to-shoulder they fought against darkness.

One of these heroes was our comrade, Reece Harding, who moved to Rojava on May 4th 2015 to join the fight against Daesh (ISIS) terrorists. He chose a Kurdish name after his fallen countryman Ashley Kent Johnston – Bagok Serhed – to live his expectations in that way.

Reece, had a clear smart and aware personality, he would act and move responsible at all points. He was conscious before his combatant comrades, and would do his best to protect them both in life and military. With his rekindling enthusiasm and courage, he was of morale source for all comrades during battles against the terrorists. These features and other of his characteristics who cannot be put into words, let comrade Reece to be a good example among other comrades.

After his initial training, Reece did ask for deployment to the front-lines, therefore he joined the Phase II of Operation Commander Rubar Qamishlo which first was launched effectively on May 6, 2015. After that, Reece joined numerous liberating operations in several ISIS-occupied rural and urban areas where he played a major role and fought a daring battle against brutal enemy forces.

Unfortunately in one of those task operations which inflicted severe blows to the terrorists, we had comrade Reece a fallen martyr. Reece was martyred June 27 as result of an IED explosion during operation to rescue Misherfa village within Raqqa, Tal Abyad and Kobani triangle.

His fall has truly saddened us, as losing a kindhearted, reliant comrade always is painful. But we as comrades of Reece will make power of this sorrow while fulfilling his goal and realizing his attitude, and those of all of our fallen martyrs.

We as the People’s Defense Units YPG and the Women’s Defense Units YPJ, above all the family of comrade Reece and his loved ones, we extend our deepest condolences to proud Kurdish and Australian people. We declare once more that Daesh terrorists shall never succeed, and for that we will put in effect all we can do.

FALLEN HERO’S PROFILE IS:
NAME: REECE HARDING
NOM DE GUERRE: BAGOK SERHED
MOTHER’S NAME: MICHELLE
FATHER’S NAME: KEITH
PLACE OF BIRTH: MIDDLE SWAN, AUSTRALIA / 8-31-1991
JOINED: MAY 4, 2015 – JAZIRA REGION, ROJAVA
MARTYRED: JUNE 27, 2015 – MISHREFA, AIN ISSA, SULUK

People’s Defense Units (YPG) – 2015 Press Office

International call out from the people of Czire Canton in Rojava

The following comes to us via our friends from Rojava Solidarity Australia who received this important international call out from the people from Czire Canton in Rojava and asked us to help them spread the word. Please read and share widely. 

With this call out we invite individuals, organizations, collectives to participate in our liberation fight, liberation not only of the Kurds for their land, but first and foremost liberation from the power of the state and capitalism. We invite you to come to Rojava, Canton Cizire.

The Rojava (Western Kurdistan) is a piece of land largely freed from the presence of ISIS but under embargo: an embargo implemented against us not only from Turkey but also from Iraqi Kurdistan, which regime does not appreciate the social changes taking place here. This embargo limits the availability of basic necessities, but also on the shortage of medicines and medical equipment needed to treat the injured. Here there are thousands of martyrs, of people killed by war: many have lost their family and home.

As in all wars in the world, it is the woman who bears the greatest weight, because she is losing her children, she is being raped, she is sold as slavery and forced to prostitute; in addition, in Syria and in much of the Middle East, until the revolution, women were considered a second class people. But here in Rojava, the woman no longer considers this an inevitable fate: since long time, women have begun to be active in all fields (social, political, military) and this is managing to change the chauvinist mentality. In the fight against the patriarchal system we fight also against all forms of oppression and abuse: the same way of thinking that places man above the woman also he puts those who have power over the people and the human being above of nature, in a hierarchy of violence and abuse. Fighting against the patriarchal system therefore means for us also fighting the authoritarian and reactionary mentality.

Here there is suffering, of course, but here there is also happiness. There is happiness and pride, because a people has raised up against the abuses. We learned again to write in our language, which had been prohibited in all public buildings. We put into practice a model of democratic self-management, in which decisions start and are discussed and made in public meetings in the streets that involves all those who want to be part of it. We organized together with all minorities and ethnic groups which are present in this part of the world, so that everyone can keep his identity completing each other in a dynamic that enriches everybody.

We fight a legitimate struggle for liberation, as can be to the Palestinian one or as were the anti-colonial ones; this is also a struggle to give power to the people, putting as a priority the liberation of women; this fight looking for a harmonic relationship with nature, an interconnected cycle of which even human beings are part; this struggle wants to eliminate authoritarianism fighting the mentality that generates it. Our struggle is also responsible for its own defense through YPG-YPJ, because the monsters that attack it are many and deadly.

What you can do here is much, first of all to come to see, and to tell in your countries what happens here. And then to help those who have suffered psychological trauma, help in reconstruction, aid in natural parks, in the "Newroz" refugee camp which houses Yazidis fleeing from Shingal, as well as take part in the defense forces of the people and of women (YPG-YPJ). Your solidarity, in our eyes, has the highest value.

We would like to hear your stories, to hear about the struggles that take place in other parts of the world, and we would like to share our revolution with you. We invite you so that you can see with your own eyes that the system which forces the human being to become a part of its machine, and takes away humanity and happiness from the people, makes them into puppets of mechanisms over which they have no control, is not the only possible system, and this is one of the alternatives. In the history and all around of the world there have always been and always will be movements struggling to liberate the human being from the Power that would like to make the people dead and sad, we believe it is important to join these movements because only together we can win against the monster that, in its various forms, we struggle against.

For information please contact: solidaritywithrojava@gmail.com

International Freedom Battalion established in Rojava

A brigade of internationalist fighters has been established in Rojava by various fighting communist organizations including MLKP, TIKKO, BOG (United Freedom Forces), Reconstruction (Spain) & MLSPB Revolution Front and includes fighters from Turkey, Germany, Greece, Spain and Albania. The brigade is called International Freedom Battalion and it will fight against Daesh (Islamic State) and other occupying forces in the region. The brigade supports the ongoing YPG-YPJ led Commander Rubar Qamişlo Initiative and have released the following statement:

“Middle East has been a blood bath because of imperialist blood suckers and exploiters. Same forces brought together ISIS so that people in the region bow down to occupation and oppression. ISIS gangs massacre Christian, Êzîdî, Assyrian, and Muslim peoples. Gangs sell women and children in slave markets and organize massive executions in ways that resemble the centuries-long strategies of their imperialist masters.

Organized peoples’ resistance against these forces’ desire to destroy their languages, faiths, lives, and identities has been led by YPG-YPJ and became successful in places such as Kobanê, Şengal, Til-Hemis, and Serekaniyê.

Rojava revolution came to the fore of global politics and YPG-YPJ resistance is admired and supported by impoverished masses. With international fighters, Rojava became today’s Bekaa and Palestine. Rojava Revolution is the Paris Commune under German siege, Madrid in Spanish civil war, and Stalingrad during 2nd Pillage War (WW2).

Rojava revolution has upset power balances in neighboring countries, especially Turkey, and has become the heart of world revolutions and the beacon of oppressed peoples’ resistance.

As a women’s revolution, Rojava has strengthened women’s will and become the symbol of struggle against patriarchy and global bigotry.

Revolutionaries across the world have turned their attention to Rojava and never hesitated to fight and die for victory here in order to expand the revolution.

Revolutionary forces in Turkey and different parts of the globe have come to Rojava in order to strengthen the revolution and expand the war to the lands they came from.

We fight in Rojava, die as martyrs and carry the banner of resistance…

We fight at the frontline against imperialism and bigots in the region…

We confront ISIS gangs’ brutal attacks on the revolution…

We live the revolution and feel it in our veins and cells…

We are the people in Kurdistan who made the Rojava revolution, the workers, oppressed people, women and internationalist revolutionaries who fight under the banner of YPG-YPJ…

We are Spanish, German, Greek, Turkish, Arab, Armenian, Laz, Circassian, and Albanian…

We are the revolutionary forces and organizations that have come together from different parts of the world to form the INTERNATIONAL FREEDOM BATTALION.

All oppressed people, workers, laborers, women, youth, religious groups, ecologists, anti-imperialists, anti-fascists, anti-capitalists, democrats and revolutionaries of the world; we call on you to fight under the banner of INTERNATIONAL FREEDOM BATTALION in order to defend the Rojava revolution and expand it in order to establish people’s sisterhood in the Middle East and the rest of the world…”

(modified version of an article from ANF news)

International Freedom Battalion Facebook Page

Turkey: Police attack Kobane solidarity protest, 2 anarchists among the arrested

24.05.15: Four comrades including two anarchists from Revolutionary Anarchist Action/DAF were arrested and one was injured during an attack by police yesterday in Kadıköy, İstanbul at a protest organised by the Construction Workers Union calling for a humanitarian aid and supply corridor to be opened to Kobane. 

Lat night people were waiting outside Kadıköy Rıhtım Police Station, they had been informed that those arrested will be kept in the station tonight and will be transferred to the Public Prosecutor following their refusal to give statements to police.

DAF said: "We will keep on fighting against the Turkish state's repression against Kobane. Long live revolutionary anarchism! Long live the Rojava Revolution!"

(via Anarşist Faaliyet and Workers Solidarity Movement Ireland)