Kurdish Vigil Ends
U.S. Told Turkish Government Vigil Was Free Speech
by Adam Eidinger

November 2001
Volume 38, Number 9

The American Kurdish Information Network (AKIN) ended its 221-day peaceful vigil across from the Turkish AmbassadorÕs residence at Sheridan Circle in Northwest Washington DC on October 11, 2001. The finale was highlighted by the dismantling of ÒThe Cell of Atonement,Ó which sought to focus international attention on the continued imprisonment of Kurdish parliamentarians and has been a lightning rod of Turkish indignation.

AKIN began the Kurdish Vigil on March 5, 2001, the seventh anniversary of Leyla Zana and her parliamentarian colleaguesÕ arrest and imprisonment by the Turkish authorities for speaking the Kurdish language in public. The around the clock watch was conducted in a replica of a Turkish prison cell that the Kurdish activists built and placed across from the Turkish AmbassadorÕs residence. On September 30, 2001 over 3000 American supporters chanting ÒFree the KurdsÓ visited the vigil during a peace march through the neighborhoods.

The message was heard. Based on reports in the Turkish press, the continued presence and success of the vigil prompted the Turkish government Ñ instead of addressing the ongoing imprisonment of Kurdish parliamentarians Ñ to urge American officials to end it and ÒreturnÓ Kani Xulam, the principal organizer of the event, to Turkey. The American authorities, upholding the right of free speech in the U.S., protected the vigil and permitted it to continue.

ÒWe started our vigil to physically take part in the plight of the Kurdish representatives. We have done that. We also wanted to raise awareness about the Kurds in this country. To a certain degree, we have done that as well. I want to thank the American government as well as its people for the opportunity to engage in every human beingÕs birthright, free speech, for the past 221 days, at one of their national parks. It was a privilege we cherished throughout the vigil and will honor it for as long as we live. In this critical hour in the life of America, we have decided to end our vigil, not wanting our presence to create any problems or cause any distractions for Washington to take care of its own first,Ó said Kani Xulam.

Congressman Bob Filner (D-CA) issued a statement in support of the vigil saying, ÒIt has always been the story of our humanity to reject a new idea irrespective of its merits. The Kurdish quest for freedom is a good example of that. Your adversaries refuse to acknowledge you and have managed to get the world on their side. You have to outmaneuver them to engage the world in your plight. This vigil has aspired to do that. Because of it, people have talked about the Kurds. It is a matter of time that they will also respect you and accept you in their midst.Ó

As to the long-range plans of AKIN, ÒNothing will stop us from our sacred fight to restore our people their inalienable right of free speech. We are simply taking a break to rest and regroup. We will be back soon to continue with AKINÕs mission to foster Kurdish-American understanding and friendship,Ó said Kani Xulam.

More information can be found on the Kurds at www.kurdistan.org.