For two weeks now, there have been demonstrations and protests in Kassel almost every day in solidarity with the people of Rojava and Rojhilat. We create an overview of the last few days.
What is the trigger for the protests??
The Islamist army of the Syrian interim government of al-Sharaa (al-Dschaulani) has been effective since then 06. January, together with Islamist and Turkish militias, the feminist and democratic Kurdish self-government and Kurdish quarters in Aleppo. The city of Kobanê is completely surrounded and is cut off from electricity in snowy and cold conditions., Internet- and water supply separate.
There were war crimes and numerous deaths and injuries, and the liberation of IS fighters by the Islamist militias. Now from the HTS (Syrian army) There were reports in controlled areas, that women were forced to dress covered up again. At times the IS flag flew again over the city of Raqqa.
Despite an agreed ceasefire, the attacks are currently continuing. At the same time there were on the Turkish-Syrian border, him as part of protests against the actions of the Syrian transitional government, sometimes massive border breaches and crossings by supporters:within the Kurdish freedom movement.
While the fighting for Rojava continues, Meanwhile, the brutal suppression of protests in Iran and the Kurdish areas there continues. It is about massacres of the civilian population with thousands of deaths- and torture victims. These atrocities were highlighted at the demonstrations and actions in Kassel, but also drew attention to the resistance against the responsible and authoritarian regimes.
13. January
About 400 Protester:inside took to the streets loudly against the current attacks and marched through the city center with a demonstration.
15. January
About 300 People are under the motto “Together against war” took to the streets. The demonstration also expressed solidarity with the people of Sudan, Palestine and Venezuela. It was organized by a broad alliance of left-wing and anti-militarist groups.
16. January
Again we went about 400 People took to the streets loudly against the current attacks on Rojava and Rojhilat.
18. January
About 100 People marched through the city center in the evening as part of a spontaneous demonstration.
19. January
Late in the evening, around eleven o'clock, gathered for about two hours 300 People for a spontaneous demonstration.
20. January
More than 1,000 people protested at a large demonstration 1.500 Protester:inside Kassel city center.
21. – 22. January
Under the slogan “Defend Rojava!” drew about 500 People through Kassel city center.
23. January
In the morning she has Peoples Caravan Reached Kassel. Under the motto “Defense of humanity: Overcoming borders and defending Rojava” form activist:from Europe a solidarity convoy to the border in Kobanê. Dozens from Kassel also joined the caravan.
Activists took part in a flyer campaign in the central cafeteria:The students were made aware of the current situation in Rojava and mobilized for the demonstrations.
The students responded to the action with applause and shouts “Women Life Freedom” (Woman-life-freedom).
Under the slogan “Defend Rojava!” drew about 1.000 People through Kassel city center.
24. January
Passers-by were seen in the City Point:inside drew attention to the current situation in Rojava with a flyer campaign. In the evening they moved again 1.500 Demonstrators through Kassel city center.
In the speeches, that were held during the events, the speakers reported on the current situation in the region. It was explained repeatedly, that the current fighting is causing a resurgence of the so-called IS, which can also have negative consequences in Europe.
In addition to Kurdish speeches, Some German participants also spoke. They reported, that the self-governing region of Rojava them, especially because of the fight for women's rights, have given hope in the past. They emphasized, that they were not just part of the event out of an anti-war stance, but their goal is to support self-government in Rojava.
On the sidelines of the demonstrations, there were repeated provocations by Turkish and Syrian nationalists through insults and the display of fascist symbols, like the wolf salute.
For the coming week the activists have:further actions announced inside.
