President Barzani Honors Martyr Leyla Qasim on 51st Anniversary of Her Execution
Erbil, Kurdistan Region – Kurdistan Democratic Party President Masoud Barzani commemorated the 51st anniversary of the execution of Kurdish freedom fighter Leyla Qasim and her comrades in a message posted on his official social media account.
In his statement, President Barzani praised Qasim as "a symbol of the Kurdish people's struggle for freedom and an enduring example of the courage of Kurdish women." He highlighted her defiance in the face of oppression, stating, "She confronted the tyrants, rejected a life of submission, and embraced martyrdom rather than surrender."
Leyla Qasim, a young Kurdish activist, was executed by the former Iraqi Ba'ath regime on May 12, 1974, for her involvement in the Kurdish liberation movement. Her legacy remains a powerful symbol of resistance in Kurdish history.
President Barzani extended his tribute to "the pure souls of Leyla Qasim, her fellow martyrs, and all those who sacrificed their lives for freedom." His message reaffirmed the Kurdish leadership's commitment to honoring the sacrifices of past generations in the ongoing pursuit of justice and self-determination.
The anniversary is observed annually by Kurds in Iraq and the diaspora, with ceremonies and events paying homage to Qasim and other martyrs of the Kurdish cause.
