Sherwan Sherwani- Journalist and Activist
His message reads:
Greetings and respect, dear brothers and freedom-seekers. Warmest regards.
I am very happy about the recent activities you carried out in support of my release, as well as that of Kak Omed and other brothers who remain in prison.
It always saddens me that I cannot be with you outside, face to face, to greet you and personally thank you. Truly, I consider myself indebted to you especially since the Kurdish voice has reached as far as the British Parliament.
Sometimes I even feel ashamed, knowing that some people who do not know me personally still struggle and sacrifice so much for my freedom.
Sherwani also stated that:
Although I am imprisoned, through several brothers I am fully aware of all your activities.
I do have some criticism of Kurdish TV channels. We have television, but we cannot see your work because it is not broadcast, which is disappointing. Nevertheless, I follow your news on social media and elsewhere. Thank you, especially for conveying the issue to such important institutions as the British Parliament. It was an excellent effort, and I hope it continues.
He also emphasized:
The path of freedom for us has never been decorated with flowers. For us, prison and suffering have always been expected.
But until now, I have remained steadfast, and I will continue to stand firm with your support. Especially because no authority has succeeded in breaking me—I have been labeled by tyrants as an “heir to chaos.”
Also He stressed:
They cannot crush me, because they lack the stronger weapon that I possess my self-control.
It’s true that I do not have weapons or militias as they do. But we have strong will, and we hold to different ideas and visions.
Our only “crime” is that we do not think like them. God says in the Qur’an: “Do not incline toward those who oppress.” We are not among the oppressors, and this is one of God’s greatest blessings upon us.
He noted that:
Personal freedom for me is not everything. What matters is the freedom of society. My freedom only has meaning if it is tied to the freedom of our people.
In truth, my release from here is not something essential. The authorities have made it meaningless, because outside these walls, I still see displacement, suffering, unemployment, and injustice in all its forms. These have turned the outside world into a larger prison.
That is why I no longer long for the outside world as before because outside is also a greater prison. What matters is that we fight with willpower and tell the authorities: we are not part of you.
Sherwani declared his innocence:
Even my inner struggle continues, as does the psychological battle. If there truly were a law to prevent “legal chaos,” then I would perhaps be considered its greatest victim. Everyone knows that the cases brought against me three or four of them are all fabricated. If not, then I know myself to be innocent, and they themselves know it too.
I have always said this they know very well that I am not imprisoned because of any crime, but because they fear that I might expose their crimes.
I believe in a revolutionary media, not a submissive one.
I regret nothing. I have always stood up outside, raised my voice, and entered difficult struggles. Even now, I do not regret any of it. If I were released tomorrow, I would raise my voice even louder, stand stronger, and continue my resistance.
What is required of us here is patience and endurance. What is required of you outside is struggle and that is the most important.
The path of every oppressor is clear. The path of every executioner is also clear.
He told activists that:
You may be part of my soul, and I am part of yours. Your activities in Britain and other countries are no small matter.
I even know how the authorities reacted they tried in every way possible to reverse Kurdish lobbying abroad. Because such oppressive authorities always fear freedom; they suffer from a phobia of it.
Therefore, in conclusion, I sincerely thank you all and ask you to continue your efforts. Let this fabricated legal case be a milestone for me (Sherwan), and for my comrades (Omed Baroshki, Qahraman Shukri, and others). I hope you also carry their concerns.
This is how I see the world. I always feel indebted to you, and sometimes even ashamed that you fight so hard—especially in Britain for my cause. Once again, I kiss your eyes in gratitude.
This is all for now, though I have much more to say perhaps another time.
I have often been punished for these statements. They have cut my phone calls and placed me in solitary confinement for months. But none of this matters to me. What matters is that I send this message of thanks to you.
Once again, with respect and honor, I bow to you. I kiss your eyes and pray for your strength. God willing, when I am freed, I will finally greet you face to face, visit you, and know you better. May your spirit always remain high, and may you always succeed.
With respect,
Sherwan Sherwani
Sherwani’s family has also sent a message to Dakok so that it may be delivered to the British Parliament.
About the Author
