RIHA - Internationalist youths travelling with the People's Caravan from Europe in solidarity with Rojava emphasised their determination to carry the hope rising from Rojava to the world, despite their detention, stating that they were particularly inspired by the resistance of young women.

 

The internationalist youth in the People's Caravan, which set off from European countries in response to the attacks on Rojava, were detained in the district of Bêrecûk on their way back. The youth were taken to the Urfa Provincial Migration Directorate Return Centre to be deported. While in Pirsûs, the young people had stated that they defended the Kurdish people's right to self-determination and that they stood by this struggle.

 

‘The Rojava revolution is our revolution too’

 

Shannon Vanessa, who came to Pîrsûs from Essen, Germany, in solidarity, stated that they had come with the People’s Caravan from Europe and wanted to join forces with the Kurdish people to defend democratic life against war. Shannon Vanessa emphasised that they were resisting radical Islamism alongside the Kurdish people and defending a life where they determine their own destiny, saying, "The Autonomous Administration in North and East Syria is not alone. There are people all over the world who stand with the Kurdish people. The Rojava revolution is also our revolution."

 

‘People should not be divided by the interests of systems’

 

Caro Sommer, from Leipzig, Germany, said she joined the caravan in Leipzig and that they wanted to be as close as possible to Kobanê. Caro Sommer stated that their aim was to carry the hope given to them by the young women of Rojava to every corner of the world, saying that they wanted to stand together in hope and resistance during difficult times. Caro Sommer emphasised that people should not be divided by imperialism, governments or the interests of capitalist systems, saying, "People should stand together, build their own systems and defend them. We must all understand that we need to do this together."

 

‘The Kurdish Freedom Movement is inspiring’

 

Patrick Thirlwell, who came from England, also stated that he is an internationalist and believes that all of humanity must fight together against fascism. Patrick Thirlwell said that Rojava and the Kurdish Freedom Movement are among the most inspiring examples in the world, and that he was there to show solidarity and active support. Patrick Thirlwell also said he wanted to make a documentary about the People's Caravan, adding that this journey resembled the internationalist solidarity during the Spanish Civil War.