The Syrian Democratic Alliance Condemns the Repression of a Women’s Protest in Afrin
The Syrian Democratic Alliance issued a statement condemning the brutal repression of a women’s protest in the village of Kahira, located in the Afrin region of northern Syria, on Sunday, September 15, 2024.
The protest was triggered by the imposition of new levies by the Turkish-backed “Sultan Suleiman Shah Brigade” (Al-Amshat) on local villagers. The faction violently dispersed the protest, injuring several women, with some sustaining serious injuries.
Details of the Repression and the Situation in Kahira
According to the Alliance’s statement, the military faction prevented the injured women from being taken to hospitals in Afrin and sealed off the village after calling for reinforcements from neighboring villages.
The village was turned into a closed military zone, with all internet communications cut off. Residents were forced to remain inside their homes under the threat of severe punishment.
The protest erupted in response to the faction’s imposition of additional levies of $8 per olive tree, an amount that exceeded the villagers’ ability to pay.
When some residents refused to comply, several men were arrested, beaten, and subjected to verbal and physical humiliation by the faction.
The Syrian Democratic Alliance’s Position on the Incident
In its statement, the Syrian Democratic Alliance strongly condemned these oppressive practices, viewing them as a blatant violation of human rights and freedom of expression.
The Alliance emphasized that the de facto authorities in Afrin and its surrounding countryside are fully responsible for the ongoing violations against civilians, particularly Kurdish Syrians.
The Alliance called for an impartial investigation into the incident, overseen by human rights organizations and independent media, to ensure justice for the victims and to prevent further violations.
It also urged the withdrawal of military factions from residential areas to protect civilians and prevent future clashes. The Alliance called on the Syrian Interim Government to fulfill its legal responsibilities and bring those involved to justice as soon as possible.
Reaffirming the Principles of the Syrian Revolution
The Syrian Democratic Alliance reiterated in its statement that the Syrian people, who rose up against the tyranny and oppression of the Assad regime, will not be intimidated by any repressive force.
The people, who have paid a heavy price for their dignity and freedom, will continue to defend these values and will not submit to any de facto authorities that increasingly resemble the dictatorial regime.
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