Join us today!
Printable version
Link to this page: https://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/982/26884
From The Socialist newspaper, 14 February 2018
France: rallies in support of oppressed Kurdish people
Kurdish protest Albi, south west France, photo Terry Adams (Click to enlarge)
Terry Adams, France
Over 100 people turned out on 10 February in the centre of Albi, south west France, to demonstrate against the bombardment of Afrin by the regime of Turkey's autocratic president Recep Erdogan. Most of the demonstrators were of Kurdish origin, including refugees from Afrin.
Erdogan is intent on smashing the aspirations of the Kurdish people for a homeland.
He has justified this latest military invasion by claiming the YPG Kurdish militia in northern Syria (which has been backed by the US administration as a proxy force against Isis) is linked to "terrorist" PKK Kurdish separatists in south east Turkey, an area where the Turkish military has imposed virtual martial law.
The town of Afrin has been a refuge for Syrians seeking to escape the horrors of the Syrian regime and the devastating war. From a population of 172,000 in 2004, the town houses more than 1 million today.
Afrin is an important symbol for Kurdish people, with a reportedly democratic and inclusive administration.
Afrin's refugees and Kurdish people denounced the lack of worldwide condemnation of Turkey's attack: "Using napalm and weapons that are banned by the UN.
"The silence of European Union, United States and the allies make them complicit with Turkey".
Protesters made it clear that the attack on Afrin is an act of genocide, and Erdogan a war criminal.
A similar demonstration took place in Toulouse on 27 January, with over 250 demonstrators.
Donate to the Socialist Party
Finance appeal
The coronavirus crisis has laid bare the class character of society in numerous ways. It is making clear to many that it is the working class that keeps society running, not the CEOs of major corporations.
The results of austerity have been graphically demonstrated as public services strain to cope with the crisis.
The government has now ripped up its 'austerity' mantra and turned to policies that not long ago were denounced as socialist. But after the corona crisis, it will try to make the working class pay for it, by trying to claw back what has been given.
- The Socialist Party's material is more vital than ever, so we can continue to report from workers who are fighting for better health and safety measures, against layoffs, for adequate staffing levels, etc.
- When the health crisis subsides, we must be ready for the stormy events ahead and the need to arm workers' movements with a socialist programme - one which puts the health and needs of humanity before the profits of a few.
Inevitably, during the crisis we have not been able to sell the Socialist and raise funds in the ways we normally would.
We therefore urgently appeal to all our viewers to donate to our Fighting Fund.
In The Socialist 14 February 2018:
Socialist Party news and analysis
We can win the fight for the NHS
Stop press: victory - campaign saves NHS rehab ward
McDonnell says Labour would put services 'irreversibly' in workers' hands
Rent doubles in a decade: cap rents, build council homes!
What we saw: Tory-Blairite EU love-in
Oxfam scandal
Oxfam scandal: we need democratic aid and working class solidarity
Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
How should TUSC approach the local elections and Brexit negotiations?
Socialist history
Czechoslovakia 1968: 'Prague Spring' challenges Stalinism
International socialist news and analysis
Brazil: Lula conviction confirmed
Big political strike against Finnish government's attack on unemployed
France: rallies in support of oppressed Kurdish people
Workplace news and analysis
UCU uni strike: coordinate public sector fightback
Sadiq Khan's bus drivers' London licence doesn't go far enough
Newham teachers strike again as anti-academy pressure mounts
Woolwich Crossrail walkouts to demand promised bonuses
Threat of action defeats pay cut at Surrey council
Socialist Party campaigns
Haringey protests HDV - but Labour fails to kill it off completely
Carlisle debate - socialism or social democracy?
Enjoyable and successful Cardiff Refugee Rights gig
Opinion
I'm now a 'manager' and I can barely manage!
In Windsor none of us want to see homeless people on the street
Home | The Socialist 14 February 2018 | Join the Socialist Party
Subscribe | Donate | Audio | PDF | ebook
2020