In Their Names We Protest
This blog honours the memory of Kurdish journalists, teachers, and activists who were silenced for speaking the truth. Their murders were meant to create fear, but instead they inspire us to continue the struggle for freedom and justice. By carrying their names into every protest, we show that their voices still live on.
5/8/20241 min read
Courage, Activism, Justice
The struggle of the Kurdish people is written in the names of those who were silenced for daring to speak out. Journalists, teachers, and activists have been murdered, imprisoned, or disappeared simply because they stood up against corruption and oppression. Their voices were cut short, but their courage continues to inspire us to protest in their name.
Sardasht Osman was kidnapped in 2010 after criticising the Kurdish leadership. His body was found days later, shot dead for daring to demand freedom of speech. Kawa Garmyani, a journalist who exposed corruption in the Kurdish region, was assassinated outside his home in 2013. Teacher and activist Hersh Omar was killed for supporting peaceful demonstrations. Many more remain imprisoned, beaten, or threatened — their only crime being the pursuit of truth and justice.
When I march in London, Birmingham, or Manchester, I carry their names with me. Every banner I hold, every chant I join, and every article I write is an act of remembrance and defiance. By protesting, I refuse to let the world forget their sacrifice. These murders were meant to create fear, but instead they created determination in people like me.
In their names, we protest. We demand freedom, dignity, and justice for the Kurdish people. Their legacy reminds us that silence is not an option, and that raising our voices against corruption and oppression is both a duty and a right.