DEM Party Claims Genocide Against Kurds Has Begun

In a significant demonstration, the Democratic Regions Party (DEM) convened a meeting in Nusaybin, a district of Mardin near the Syrian border. Hundreds joined the party’s call to protest against attacks by the Syrian government on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The attendees frequently shouted slogans in Kurdish, expressing support for the resistance in Rojava.

Claims of Genocide Against the Kurds

During the event, DEM party leaders issued a statement regarding the escalating conflict between the Syrian government and the SDF. Tülay Hatimoğulları, co-chair of the DEM Party, condemned the Syrian interim government for abruptly abandoning discussions related to the integration agreement signed on March 10, 2025. She accused them of igniting conflict in a region marked by previous tensions.

Hatimoğulları asserted that an invasion campaign has initiated in Rojava, claiming, “The focus has shifted from west of the Euphrates to the east. Only HTŞ has disregarded the March 10 agreement.” She further criticized Turkish government officials for their mixed messages regarding peace and ongoing military operations in Syria.

Criticism of Turkish Government and International Community

Hatimoğulları emphasized awareness of what she termed an international conspiracy against the Kurds, declaring, “We recognize the beginning of a genocide against the Kurds.” She called on all democratic forces, human rights advocates, and anti-genocide activists to unite in halting the violence against Kurdish communities in Syria.

Co-chair Tuncer Bakırhan echoed Hatimoğulları’s sentiments, accusing the Ahmed Şara administration of orchestrating an ambush on Kurds in Aleppo and pointing to international support for those perpetuating violence against Kurdish children. He lamented the efforts to isolate and eliminate the Kurdish identity and called for a cessation of such irrational approaches.

Border Incident

During the protests, a group attempted to breach the border fence despite police and gendarmerie resistance. They managed to cross over and caused a disturbance, which led soldiers to fire warning shots. Following this escalation, additional reinforcements were dispatched to the area, dispersing the crowd. Reports indicated that a Turkish flag was removed during the incident.

Reactions to the Protest

Ayşegül Doğan, spokesperson for the DEM Party, condemned the flag removal, asserting, “We do not accept disrespect towards the flag, which is a shared value of society.” Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya categorized this act as a provocation by supporters of the YPG, insisting that such demonstrations threaten national unity and integrity.

• Date of Integration Agreement: March 10, 2025
• Location: Nusaybin, Mardin, near the Syrian border
• Key Figures:
  • Tülay Hatimoğulları – Co-chair, DEM Party
  • Tuncer Bakırhan – Co-chair, DEM Party
  • Ayşegül Doğan – Spokesperson, DEM Party
  • Ali Yerlikaya – Turkish Interior Minister

The demonstrations in Nusaybin reflect deep-seated tensions in the region and the ongoing struggles for Kurdish autonomy. As allegations of genocide against the Kurds gain traction, the international community’s response remains pivotal for the future of these communities.