Alevi associations had issued a call: Thousands in Germany protest against the massacre in Syria
In the German city of Cologne, Alevi communities in Europe organized a large rally to protest the massacres targeting Alevis in Syria. It was reported that thousands of people from various European countries attended the event held at Heumarkt Square.
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The rally, organized by the Confederation of European Alevi Unions (AABK), the European Democratic Alevi Federation (FEDA), and the European Arab Alevis Federation (AAAF), received support from members of the European Parliament (EP), CHP deputies, and representatives of various political parties. CHP Hatay Deputy Servet Muallaoğlu, CHP Istanbul Deputy Cemal Enginyurt, and CHP Germany Federation President Özgür Uçma were also present at the event.
Speeches delivered at the rally emphasized that all people, regardless of their ethnic origin, religious belief, or identity, have the right to life, security, and dignity. While it was stated that the peoples of Syria must be protected, it was expressed that ethnic and religious-based discrimination is unacceptable. Participants called for an end to silence regarding human rights violations.
Throughout the rally, slogans such as 'Alevis cannot be massacred!' and 'Alevis will no longer remain silent' were chanted. Speakers expressed the need for international solidarity to bring an immediate end to the massacres in Syria.
EP Left Party member Alev Özlem Demirel stated that one cannot remain silent in the face of the atrocities occurring in Syria, and expressed the following:
''It is impossible for us to remain silent in the face of events in Syria. Attacks against Alevis must be stopped immediately. This is not just an issue for the Alevi community, but for all of us.''
'THE ATTACKS ARE AN EXTERMINATION CAMPAIGN'
Germany Alevi Unions Federation (AABF) President Hüseyin Mat reminded that Alevis have been subjected to oppression and massacres throughout history, and stated that this persecution must end. Mat called on the international community to take action against the massacre in Syria.
Hatay Alevi Community (HAT) President Murat Yaşık emphasized that Alevis, Druze, and other minorities in Syria are struggling for survival, and stated the following:
'These attacks are not a simple anti-regime struggle, but an ethnic and sectarian extermination campaign.'
The speakers invited all human rights defenders to take action to end the persecution of Alevis. The rally concluded with the message, 'Do not remain silent against oppression.'