The first Newroz fire in Riha was lit in the Amara neighborhood of Halfeti. Many young people took part in the celebrations, which were led by members of the Youth Assembly of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party.

 

At the Newroz celebration, marked by songs and traditional dances, Berivan Kocaoğlu, a member of the DEM Party Youth Assembly, made a statement in Kurdish, while Kerem Bilgin delivered a statement in Turkish.

 

Berivan Kocaoğlu emphasized that Newroz has been celebrated for centuries by the Kurdish people as a symbol of culture and resistance.

 

Kerem Bilgin stated that the only guarantee for peace and freedom in the Middle East is Abdullah Öcalan, adding that the conditions of his imprisonment are unacceptable.

 

Bilgin concluded: “We promise that we will continue our struggle until we secure the physical freedom of our Leader and build a democratic society. We celebrate the Newroz holiday of all our patriotic people, especially Leader Apo.”

 

Following the statement, the Newroz fire was lit in the courtyard of the house where Abdullah Öcalan was born. The celebration ended with traditional dances, songs and poems.