The European Democratic Movement for Culture and Arts (TEV-ÇAND) condemned the attack by the Turkish state on the people of Northern and Eastern Syria, regardless of whether they are young or old, combatants or civilians, and paid tribute to artist Cuma Xelîl, known as Bavê Teyar who was killed in a Turkish attack.

The statement by TEV-ÇAND said: "If the world’s plans since the beginning of the Syrian crisis have focused on changing the Baath and Assad regimes, the occupying Turkish state’s plans have also focused on preventing the Kurds from gaining status in Rojava and Syria. To ensure that, Turkey has gradually occupied the lands of Rojava and Syria. The overthrow of the Assad regime has never been the aim of the occupying Turkish state. Turkey’s aim has always been to destroy Kurdish gains."

The statement added: "Public service institutions, food and water depots are bombed every day and continuously. They killed the elderly, the young, the fighters and the civilians without discrimination. They fed and armed all the thieves and gangs under their wings and sent them against the Kurds.

The occupying Turkish state committed hundreds of war crimes before the eyes of the world, violated the rights of humans, animals and nature. In a single sentence, its hatred for the Kurds blinded it and, like a ruthless barbarian, it swept everything dry and fresh in front of it. Journalists, intellectuals, artists and women were always its primary targets."

The statement continued: "While speaking of brotherhood and peace, Turkey continues its inhuman attacks and massacres. The world should know that Rojava and the Kurdish people cannot be protected by just statements. The Turkish state will not stop its brutality because of some statements of condemnation.

At a time when hopes for peace have strengthened a little, it is reversing the process with these actions and once again showing that it is still far from peace and determined to destroy the Kurds.

In the last three days, they have openly and deliberately bombed civilian convoys that went to the Tishrin Dam checkpoint dozens of times, killing dozens of civilians. One of them was artist Cuma Xelîl."

The statement said: "Our comrade Cuma, known among the public as Bavê Teyar, has worked tirelessly in the freedom struggle for 40 years and has always been a source of morale for our people. With his courageous and patriotic personality, he has always taken part in the Freedom Movement under all circumstances. With his unique skills, he has earned a place in the hearts of the young and the old."

The Democratic Culture and Art Movement reiterated "the promise we made to all our martyrs, from our martyrs Sefkan and Mizgîn to Comrade Cuma: We will not allow the occupiers to plunder our country, our culture, and our lands. We will always be on the streets and be active against occupation and cultural genocide.

We call on all freedom-loving circles, our patriotic people, and all artists to reject the brutality of the Turkish state, and to support Rojava with the feelings of Martyr Cuma Xelîl or Bavê Teyar. Raise your voice to expose the war crimes committed by the occupying forces of the Turkish state to the entire world public opinion and fight against these crimes. No matter what happens, the spirit of sacrifice of the Kurdish people in the person of these martyrs will bring us victory. And we, as people of this land, must do our best to protect the gains of the martyrs."