PJAK calls on US to revoke decision on Kurdish Movement leaders

The East Kurdish party PJAK called on the US State Department to end its decision to offer money in exchange of information on leading members of the Kurdish movement.

The Party for a Free Life in Kurdistan (Partiya Jiyana Azad a Kurdistanê - PJAK) has commented on the extension of the money offer made by the US to get information against leading PKK members. This policy continues since 2018. The US had offered several million dollars for information on the whereabouts of three leading members of the Kurdish movement. The bounty is offered for news on the co-chairman of the KCK Executive Council, Cemil Bayık, and the two members of the PKK Executive Committee Duran Kalkan and Murat Karayılan. A few days ago the bounty tender was extended.

In its declaration, the PJAK drew attention to the fact that the Kurdish people are recognized worldwide for their struggle for freedom and democracy. The bounty policy is a hostile step: "The attitude of the USA corresponds to the attitude of the Turkish state, which is not only the enemy of the Kurdish people, but of all peoples in the region. On the one hand, the USA recognizes the Armenian genocide, on the other hand, inhuman and unlawful decisions are imposed on the Kurdish people and their leaders."

PJAK added: "This decision contrasts with the calls for freedom and peace that the US is making to the world. Against this, all and especially Kurdish institutions and organizations have to position themselves. PJAK condemns the US decision and calls on the people of the USA to stand behind the legitimate struggle of the Kurdish people and their leaders. The US State Department must revise the decision and respect the rights of people fighting for freedom. The US should not support fascist and reactionary tendencies in the Middle East."