Nicosia, Cyprus. Members of the Kurdish diaspora and Cypriots staged protests in Nicosia on Thursday, condemning ongoing attacks on the Kurdish region of Rojava in northeastern Syria. Demonstrators urged Cyprus to take political action.
March route and slogans
The demonstration began outside the Interior ministry, passed the EU government office on Vyronos avenue and concluded at the House of representatives.
Protesters chanted “Woman, life, freedom”, “Terrorist Jolani”, a reference to the nom de guerre of former Al Nusra emir and current president of Syria, Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, “Terrorist Erdogan” and “Long live the freedom of Rojava”, expressing alarm over escalating violence in northern and eastern Syria.
Delegation received and calls for condemnation
A Kurdish delegation led by Yasin Tarbous, head of the Democratic Union Party’s (PYD) local branch in Cyprus, was received at EU office complex.
Demonstrators called for international condemnation of what they described as ‘war crimes by militias linked to Syria’s transitional authorities and for an end to external support sustaining the conflict’.
Political participation and banners
The protest was attended by Ecologist politician Oz Karahan alongside other members of the Ecologists – Citizens’ Cooperation party, the only Cypriot political party formally represented.
Party members carried banners expressing solidarity with Rojava and Kurdistan.
Related protest in Limassol and community statement
A similar protest took place on Wednesday evening outside the Limassol municipal office.
Members of the Kurdish community said the attacks targeted not only territory but a political and social model built on gender equality, local democracy and coexistence.
“What is happening in northern and eastern Syria is an attack on freedom, women’s achievements and the will of people to live democratically,” a statement read.
What political action do you think Cyprus should take in response to the situation in Rojava?