On the occasion of the first anniversary of the martyrdom of the pioneers of free media, Nazim Dashtan and Jihan Bilkin, who were martyred at Tishreen Dam on 19 December 2024, and Rêzkar Deniz, who was martyred in an attack carried out by ISIS gangs on 18 December 2017 in Deir ez-Zor, a solemn commemoration ceremony was held.
The ceremony was attended by journalists, intellectuals, members of the Martyrs’ Families Council, religious figures, and representatives of the Autonomous Administration. A documentary film was screened highlighting the lives of the journalists and their struggle. The event began with a minute of silence at the Mohammad Sheikho Center in the city of Qamishlo, followed by speeches delivered on behalf of the Free Media Union.
Bunyad Jiziri, Director of Women’s Media, Arin Sweid on behalf of Hawar News Agency, and Ahmad Mohammad on behalf of the agency delivered statements in which they pledged to follow the path of their fallen colleagues, affirming that they would continue to walk in the footsteps of their comrades in pursuit of truth and would not abandon their media mission.
Afterwards, journalist Joanna Jumaa read a message from the Media Center of the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ). In commemoration of Nazim Dashtan and Jihan Bilkin, poets Anas Yildiz and Farhad Mirdi recited poems, and the Botan Band presented an artistic performance.
In conclusion, colleagues of the martyrs Nazim and Jihan paid tribute to their souls at the Martyr Dalil Sarokhan Shrine, laid flowers on their graves, and lit candles. The ceremony concluded with the chant: “Martyrs never die.”
Media Center of the Women’s Protection Units
19. 12. 2025
