The President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, on Tuesday commemorated Kurdish activist Leyla Qasim and her comrades on the 52nd anniversary of their execution by the former Ba’ath regime, praising their struggle for freedom, dignity, and the rights of the Kurdish people.

In a statement issued on the occasion, the President described Leyla Qasim as not only a national symbol, but also a source of awareness, courage, and leadership for Kurdish women in their struggle and sacrifice for Kurdistan.

The statement highlighted her steadfastness during imprisonment and in the face of execution, saying that she demonstrated the determination of Kurdish women and their readiness to sacrifice for the freedom and dignity of their people.

The President of Kurdistan Region noted that the struggle of Leyla Qasim — from the city of Khanaqin to the University of Baghdad and ultimately to the prisons of the Ba’ath regime — will remain forever alive in the conscience of the Kurdish people as a lesson in patriotism, steadfastness, and self-sacrifice.

On the solemn anniversary, the President of Kurdistan Region paid tribute to the souls of Leyla Qasim, her companions, and all the martyrs of Kurdistan, while also extending greetings and respect to their families.