News Release
Saturday, April 1, 2006
Contact persons: Soraya, 408.834.5557 or Kani, 202.483.6444
Daylong Vigil
Will Honor Murdered Kurdish Children of Kurdistan
Washington, DC: For several days now, members of the Turkish security forces have attacked the Kurdish civilians across Northern Kurdistan (Turkey). So far, eight have been killed, three of whom children. While the Prime Minister of Turkey has accused the Kurdish mothers for the death of their children -- using a convoluted logic saying that they should not have sent their children to the streets -- the Kurdish press accounts note that at least one of the toddlers, the three-year old one, was murdered on the balcony of his house while observing the demonstrations in the city of Batman, Kurdistan.
The Turkish crackdown shows no sign of recession, as has the Kurdish response to it across Kurdistan as well as Turkey proper and various European capitals. We are holding a daylong vigil to honor the Kurdish dead as well as stand up in solidarity with our brothers and sisters across the globe. Please make plans to join us. For those of who are unable to do so, please consider holding similar vigils, daylong if possible, in front of Turkish government offices or other appropriate places. DonŐt forget to extend invites to your local press to cover your events.
A word about Sheridan Circle is in order here: the place is in the heart of Washington DC and is on the way to work in the morning, and home in the evening, for thousands of motorists. Our lead banner facing the Washingtonians is going to read: Turkey, Hands Off the Children of Kurdistan, Honk for Kurdish Freedom. Hope to see you at Sheridan Circle and donŐt forget to sound the horn at your arrival to go on record for the liberation of Kurdistan. Feel free to bring your own signs as well.
What: Daylong Vigil to Honor the Murdered Kurdish Civilians
When: April 3, 2006, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
(8:00 to 10:00 and 4:00 to 6:00 are the busiest times)
Where: Sheridan Circle, Washington, DC
23rd Street NW & Massachusetts Avenue NW, across the Turkish AmbassadorŐs Residence
Sponsors for now: Kurdish National Congress (KNC)
and American Kurdish Information Network (AKIN)