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"Kurdish National Council" boycotts "Syrian Coalition" in protest of Afrin violations
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The brutal practices of Turkish-backed factions in Afrin point to a systematic policy of forced demographic change, necessitating urgent international intervention to stop these crimes and ensure the
The Kurdish National Council, in an unprecedented protest move, announced the suspension of its participation in the meetings of the Syrian Coalition for Revolutionary and Opposition Forces. This decision came in response to the horrific violations committed by armed factions affiliated with the Coalition's interim government in the occupied Kurdish city of Afrin in northern Syria.
Faisal Youssef, the official spokesman for the Kurdish National Council, told "Asharq Al-Awsat" newspaper: "We were forced to freeze our presence in Coalition meetings in condemnation of the serious transgressions committed in Afrin." Youssef explained that the pro-Coalition armed militias impose exorbitant levies on Kurdish civilians, reaching up to $5,000 to reclaim properties, and $8 per olive tree during harvest season.
According to a report issued by Human Rights Watch in June 2023, Turkish-backed factions in northern Syria are involved in systematic violations against Kurdish civilians, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and systematic looting of property. These practices amount to war crimes under international humanitarian law.
The Kurdish opposition figure emphasized that these militias seize lands and properties of the indigenous population, stating: "These violations prevent residents from returning to their homes and exacerbate their suffering. The region has been subjected to a series of serious crimes that amount to crimes against humanity, committed by some factions under the banner of the National Army." Youssef pointed out that these practices aim to "change the demographic composition of this authentic Kurdish region."
In a horrific incident, an armed group belonging to the "Al-Amshat" faction attacked a peaceful demonstration organized by women from the village of Kakhra in rural Afrin on the 17th of this month. Activists on social media documented shocking scenes showing signs of beating and torture inflicted on the protesters. Following the attack, the militias imposed a comprehensive siege on the village, cut off internet service, and prevented civilian movement.
Youssef called for the formation of independent investigation committees to look into these ongoing violations and hold those responsible accountable, emphasizing the need to "stop all violations against Kurds in the mentioned areas and ensure the protection of civilians."
Levant-Asharq Al-Awsat Newspaper
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