Syria’s Derik commemorates martyrs of March 12 2004
DERIK, Syria (North Press) – On Friday, and despite the heavy rainfall that the city of Derik, northeast Syria, witnessed, residents held several events on the 17th anniversary of the March 12, 2004 Qamishli uprising.
Residents and representatives of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) conducted a march which started from Azadi (Freedom) square heading towards the cemetery in the city.
During the walk, the Kurdish National Unity Parties (Kurdish parties participating in the AANES) and the families of the martyrs Walid and Hussein, who are martyrs among more than 30 died during the events of 2004, made speeches.
Meanwhile, the Kurdish National Council in Syria (ENKS) organized an event in front of their office in Derik, and ENKS member Ali Ibrahim made a speech. Then the participants headed towards the city’s cemetery.
Kurdish political and social authorities in Qamishli and other areas which witnessed protests believe that events of 2004 started as an attempt to sow discord; however, the public response was a Kurdish uprising against the Syrian government following the killing and detention by government security branches.
Different areas in north and east Syria have commemorated the anniversary through conducting sport events and public walks, while residents lit candles last night.