Sweden's Syre newspaper brought the murder of Kurdish journalists Gulistan Tara and Hêro Behadîn by the Turkish state onto the agenda and criticised the silence of the world against this terrorist attack.

Titled “The silence about the killed journalists is a crime”, the article by journalist Shamm Shamayi Saleh includes the following:

“On Friday, the world was shaken by the news that two brave women journalists, Gulistan Tara and Hêro Bahadîn, were killed by a Turkish drone while carrying out their work in Sulaymaniyah. Their lives were brutally snuffed out, a tragic reminder of the systematic violence and repression that Turkey practises against Kurds, especially against those who dare to speak the truth. This murder is not just an attack on individuals; it is an attack on freedom of expression and a direct challenge to the silence of the international community.

Gulistan and Hêro were not just journalists; they were bearers of truth, using their pens and cameras to document the reality of the Kurdish people. Their work helped shed light on the injustices affecting Kurds in their own country and across the region. By reporting on the harsh conditions and atrocities committed against their fellow human beings, they stood as role models of courage and integrity. Silencing such voices is a clear sign of a fear of truth and transparency.

It is shocking to see how the outside world, including many international actors and human rights organisations, refuse to fully condemn these acts. Instead of reacting to this crime against humanity, many choose to turn a blind eye, as if the lives of journalists are less valuable than political interests. This silence creates a dangerous atmosphere where perpetrators can act without fear of consequences.

It is time that we as a society stood up against this silence. Why is it that when Kurdish journalists die, it is not the same international outrage as when other journalists are murdered? Is it because they are Kurds? Are their lives less valuable in the global scale of human rights?

This murder is part of a larger picture of Turkey's aggressive policy towards the Kurds, where drone attacks and other forms of violence have become routine. Historically, Turkey has used its power to suppress Kurdish identity, culture and rights. This attack is further proof that Turkey believes it can act with impunity, and that the international community is more interested in diplomatic relations than in protecting lives.

We must demand that our leaders take a stand. It is not enough to express sorrow for the loss of these two journalists; we must also act. The international community must hold the Turkish government accountable for its actions and make it clear that attacks on press freedom will not be tolerated. We need a strong and united condemnation of these brutal acts. Gulistan Tara and Hêro Bahadîn not only deserve to be remembered as martyrs, but their lives and work must also become a catalyst for change. Let us not let their deaths be in vain. The silence must be broken, and we must stand up for justice. It is time to put pressure on Turkey to respect human rights and to protect those who dare to tell the truth. In the fight for press freedom, for Kurdish rights and for human dignity, we all have a duty to act.”