MÛŞ - Oya Yildirim, a member of Mûş Religious Scholars Association, pointed out that the attacks against Alawites in Syria will continue as long as the silence continues and said, "We must build a democratic and free life together."
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which took control after the overthrow of the Assad regime in Syria, continues its attacks against different beliefs, especially Alawites. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), 745 Alawites, including children and women, were massacred in Latakia and Tartus as a result of the attacks launched by HTS-affiliated forces on 6 March. It was stated that hundreds of families had to migrate from the region after the attacks and the abandoned areas were looted.
Oya Yıldırım, a member of Mûş (Muş) Religious Scholars Association, spoke about the attacks and the dangers in the region and said that Alawites and other ethnic beliefs are in danger in Syria. Stressing all differences have the right to live freely, Oya Yıldırım said, "These attacks are not only against Alawites, but also against all different ethnic groups in Syria as a policy of fear, intimidation and the establishment of a dictatorial regime. This oppressive policy is incompatible with Islam. We never accept attacks and massacres in the name of religion."
Oya Yıldırım likened the current attacks of HTS to the attacks of ISIS in 2014-2015 and said, "ISIS was taking Yazidi women hostage and massacring people. HTS also ignores women and carries out attacks against Alevis. As long as the current attacks are kept silent, they will not stop. The continuation will come in a worse way. This should not be kept silent. All those who call themselves 'human beings' need to speak out with a stopping power."
HTS-TURKEY RELATIONS
Referring to Turkey's relations with HTS, Oya Yıldırım said that Turkey is indirectly responsible for the attacks. Stating that this responsibility is evident from the frequent negotiation traffic with HTS, Oya Yıldırım added, "Turkey is surely aware of the massacres due to these close negotiations. It has not prevented so many deaths and massacres, but it must prevent future attacks. We have always been and will continue to be in favour of peace against massacres and deaths. Every country needs social peace and a democratic life. We expect Turkey to support the internal process in Syria in a peaceful and communitarian way."
EMPHASIS ON 'DEMOCRATIC ISLAM'
Oya Yıldırım emphasised that the attacks, massacres and politics that have taken place in recent years under the name of Islam have nothing to do with real Islam and stated that they defend Democratic Islam against the current understanding of Islam. Underlining the need to unite around Democratic Islam against the policies of denial and rejection in order for people in the Middle East to live in equal and free conditions, Oya Yıldırım said, "We do not recognise such dirty policies carried out under the name of religion. All humanity must unite and stop these genocides. My call to everyone; let's build a democratic and free life together. Let us bring peace to the whole world. Mr Öcalan has clearly shown that he is in favour of peace with his call. The state must take the necessary steps for peace as soon as possible. We are behind and support the process initiated by Mr Öcalan. This process will bring peace and free life to all peoples, especially Kurdistan."
MA / Mazlum Engindeniz