11/9/2005   Cyprus News Agency 
Nicosia, (CNA) -- "I cannot stand this attitude towards our people. I cannot tolerate Turkish barbarity anymore. This is the only way to express myself," a young Kurd said before he set himself on fire during a demonstration outside the French Embassy in Nicosia today.

Jehad Shecko, 28, a father of a 5 year-old, tried to burn himself to death in front of his child and wife, believing his hopes for the vindication of his people's struggle for freedom and human rights were shattered.

He is now being treated in Nicosia General hospital, along with another Kurd who also tried to burn himself, for severe burn injuries. Doctors say their condition is not crucial.

The tragic incidents occurred during a protest organised by the local branch of the National Liberation Front of Kurdistan, against a decision by a French General Attorney to begin investigation against Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan.

Ocalan, leader of the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) went to Rome last month where he asked for political asylum.

During the protest, Shecko poured petrol on his clothes and tried to set himself on fire but was dissuaded by his compatriots at the last minute. However, a few minutes later, he finished off what he was set to do.

As the young man was wrapped in flames another Kurd, Abu Emad, 40, embraced Shecko in a bid to die with him.

Other Kurds helped put out the flames and rushed the two men to the Nicosia General Hospital.
Kurds present at the protest told CNA that Emad's son was killed by Turks and his daughter is active in the Kurdish struggle for freedom from Turkish rule.

Turkey does not recognise the Kurds as a distinct ethnic group within its borders and violates their rights, such as the use of their language.

In a note written by Shecko before the incident he expresses commitment to Ocalan and says only the PKK leader can help the Kurds achieve their freedom.

"It is time for the European countries to break off their relations with Turkey and stop denying the Kurdish people their right to live and have their own identity," he says.

Nucan Derya, National Liberation Front of Kurdistan representative, told CNA that despite Ocalan's strict orders to Kurds not to set themselves on fire in protest, until today 48 of her compatriots lost their lives in this way.

CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY