KNC Holds Syrian Government Responsible for Protecting Civilians Amid Recent Events

ARK News.. The local council of the Kurdish National Council (KNC) in Kobani has condemned the killing of young man Sipan Huzni and the tensions and arrests that followed, culminating in a fire at Kobani Prison that left several inmates dead and others injured.

In a statement issued on Sunday, September 13, 2026, the council held the Syrian government responsible for protecting civilians and ensuring security and civil peace.

It also called on the government to launch a transparent and independent investigation into the entire chain of events, beginning with the killing of Sipan Huzni, followed by the prison fire and resulting casualties, and the arrests and alleged abuses that accompanied the government forces’ response to the protests.

Statement by the KNC Local Council in Kobani

Kobani witnessed protests on September 11 following the killing of young man Sipan Huzni. The protests quickly escalated into confrontations and arrests, followed by further tensions inside the city and around the Asayish prison, where a fire broke out after inmates staged a protest, killing eight detainees and injuring others.

The KNC Local Council in Kobani strongly condemns the killing of Sipan Huzni, as well as all forms of violence, incitement, vandalism, gunfire, and attacks on public and private property. It stressed that crimes and violations must be addressed through the judiciary and the rule of law, rather than through revenge or chaos.

At the same time, the Council affirmed that peaceful demonstrations and protests are a legitimate right and rejected any practices aimed at undermining that right or responding to popular demands with repression and arrests. It also strongly condemned slogans of a racist nature and threats of retaliation that accompanied the entry of government forces into the city center, describing such conduct as dangerous and inconsistent with the state’s responsibility to protect citizens and de-escalate tensions. It warned that such behavior could deepen divisions and increase tensions.

The Council held the Syrian government responsible for protecting civilians and ensuring security and civil peace and called for a transparent and independent investigation into all aspects of the events, beginning with the killing of Sipan Huzni, followed by the prison fire and casualties, and the arrests and abuses that accompanied the handling of the protests by government forces. It called for anyone found responsible to be held accountable, regardless of their position or affiliation.

The Council extended its condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery. It called on the people of Kobani to exercise restraint and uphold civil peace, stressing that protecting the city and its residents requires an end to escalation, respect for rights and freedoms, and adherence to the law and justice, away from rhetoric of revenge and incitement.

KNC Local Council in Kobani

September 12, 2026

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