activists – Bakhtyar Ali Sharef
Zardasht Osman was not in love with the daughter of Barzani, yet the tragic events surrounding his life and death serve as a stark reminder of the extent to which one can be pushed to the brink of death simply for expressing an opinion. His story is not just a personal tragedy, but also a symbol of the broader, oppressive forces at play in a region where words carry fatal consequences. It sheds light on the harsh realities of life under the rule of the Barzani government, where the mere act of speaking out can lead one into a pit of violence and, ultimately, death.
In this society, everything is treated as property. Women, often likened to land, are subjects of violence and conflict. People fight and kill each other over control of these “territories,” but what is perhaps most alarming is the fact that the government, under its reign, can execute a writer simply for expressing a thought. If such power can be wielded over a single individual, the state of the general populace becomes even more alarming. The language of love itself is considered subversive, and what might be seen as a healing force is, instead, regarded as poison—capable of cutting one’s throat.
The people of this land have been reduced to mere sheep, with the Barzani regime acting as the shepherd. Every action, every word, every movement is scrutinized, and even the most basic freedoms—such as drinking water—are granted only with permission from those in power. In such a climate, where life is held in such low regard, it is easy to see how the cycle of violence and repression perpetuates itself. The story of Zardasht Osman is but one example, but it is a powerful one. His death is a wound that has yet to heal, a wound that symbolizes the suffering of many others who have been silenced or eliminated in similar ways.
Kurdistan, under the shadow of this oppressive regime, seems destined to remain a place of suffering and despair. The tragic fate of Zardasht Osman is a poignant reminder that such brutality will continue as long as the forces of control and tyranny remain in power. As we reflect on his life and death, we are all reminded that Zardasht Osman is not merely a name—he is a symbol. A symbol of resistance, a symbol of suffering, and a symbol of the unhealed wounds that continue to scar the heart of Kurdistan.
Rest in peace, Zardasht Osman.
