Piroz Perik
(Qamishli-Syria) A number of Kurdish activists and journalists in the town of Qamishli in northeastern Syria have held a protest in support of a group of Kurdish prisoners who went on hunger strike over their mistreatment in an Iranian prison.
According to the protestors, most of the 29 prisoners are members of banned Kurdish political parties. They have been incarcerated in Iran’s Urmia prison and went on hunger strike in mid-November 2014.
The protest was held at midday on December 14 as part of a series of actions in the Ousman Sabry Square (Qarmouty roundabout) to denounce the mistreatment of the prisoners.
The protestors held up signs with slogans such as “We are with you Urmia,” “Urmia is hungry for life,” “Urmia - where is the humanity?” and “Urmia, open your eyes for the free, Urmia screams for freedom.”
Damascus Bureau’s correspondent took the following photographs of the protest.
Reporters from Kurdish TV stations and online news outlets cover the protest.
Organisers distribute leaflets and photographs to protestors and passers-by.
As with similar Kurdish events, many women took part in the protest.
Protesters hold signs in Farsi condemning the death sentences given to the Kurdish activists.
Protesters lead a chant in support of the prisoners’ hunger strike.
Photographs of some of the prisoners who represent various Kurdish political parties.
Protesters hold up a sign in Kurdish.
Other activists show their support for the Urmia prisoners.
A lawyer from a civil society organisation that defends Kurds.
Protestors hold signs in various languages in solidarity with the prisoners.
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