Hundreds of protesters staged peaceful demonstrations this week across Rojava (Syrian Kurdistan) to protest the arrest of Kurdish National Council (KNC, ENKS) officials by security forces of the Democratic Union Party (PYD).

Civilians took to streets in several cities and towns of Cizire canton. 

Qamishli saw the largest protests, where demonstrators arrived with banners and placards condemdning the PYD action against the KNC.

“We took to the streets today to condemn the PYD policies against ENKS in Rojava. Our council is recognized by the Kurdish nation and our slogans represent the interests of our nation,” said Abdulqadir Khalil, a member of the ENKS council. 

Protesters warn that the demonstrations shall continue until the ENKS prisoners are released. 

“As long as our people are still in PYD prisons we will continue our protests; our call is peaceful,” said a protest organizer in Qamishli.

KNC officials took part in the demonstrations alongside the protesters.

“Hassan Salih, Ahmed Ismail and their friends are seekers of Kurdish movements, It is unacceptable that they are in PYD prisons now. They will not succeed by imprisoning them. Imprisoning them does not bring freedom for our nation. Only unity, the language of dialogue and brotherhood can eliminate and deter these imprisonments," said an official. 

In Girgalok city, massive protests were also launched. The head of the  ENKS council there said that that PYD actions do not serve the interests of the Kurdish nation in Rojava.

“Unfortunately, PYD actions at this time that we have to hold hands together, does not serve the interest of our nation,” said Salih Simo, a KNC official. 

A day after Simo spoke to the protesters he was arrested by PYD security forces.