Exclusive testimonies | “Abou Ashmah” factions continue narrowing practices against Kurdish women around Sheikh Hadeed
The violations, committed by Souliman Shah faction (al-Ashamat) headed by Mohamed al-Jasem (Abou Ashmah) in Shaih- al-Sheikj Hadeed neighborhood, haven’t been limited only to confiscating the properties of the Kurdish indigenous inhabitants or on implementing the demographic change policies. The violations were rather extended to teasing the population that remained in the region, especially girls and women under 18 years. Al-Ashamat interfered in all sides of their private life even the right of choosing the dress.
A source, who refused to mentions his name, living in Sheikh Hadeed neighborhood told SOHR a story that happened with a 14-year-old child who has been beaten and threatened to have her hair shaved by a person named Mohamed al-Jasem (Abou Ashmah) on October 15, 2020.
“The female child was arrested in the street by al-Sultan Souliman Shah faction over accusation of putting makeup and wearing clothes that violated the Islamic complete uniform,” the man said on conditions of anonymity, adding that the forces have taken the girl to a police station where Abou Ashmah was visiting.
“Upon her arrival, Abou Ashmah had slapped the girl on her face several times and has ordered one of the forces to bring a barber to completely shave her hair,” he added that crying girl was not allowed to contact her family.
The source added, “in the last moments and before cutting her hair, Abou Ashmah abstained his decision and gave her permission to leave after warning her to face severe punishment if she was arrested without wearing the Islamic hijab.”
By arresting the girl, Abou Ashmah violated the norms in other areas of Euphrates Shield and Olive Branch which are controlled by the Turkish-backed factions in the north Aleppo countryside that don’t systematically interfere, though practicing many violations, in Kurdish women way of dressing.
On the other hand, local sources have told SOHR that al-Sultan Souliman Shah faction controls the way the Kurdish girls wearing in in Shaih- al-Sheik Hadeed neighborhood. That faction, moreover, forced those without hair scarf to wear the hijab under threats of punishment that ranges from completely shaving the hair, arrest or torture on the pretext of making all the displaced females living in the areas looking the same in appearance.
Meanwhile, the forces closely monitor the shops in the same areas to ensure not selling clothes violating the Islamic uniform. Terrorizing and the iron fist have been mastering the conditions in al-Sheik Hadeed neighborhood. According to a man known by his initial letters as (A.A.), who is displaced from Shal al-Ghab neighborhood in west Hama countryside, and living al-Sheik Hadeed neighborhood, “terrorizing people is the prevailing climate, where al-Sultan Souliman Shah faction rule with an iron fist, that make the civilians always live in continuous fears of being arrested or beaten. Even simplest violation of orders or decisions of what is known as “the leadership” by any civilian will be met with severe cruelty from the faction forces and their leader Abou Ashmah”
A.A. told SOHR that “Kurdish people are exposed to most of the violations by Souliman Shah faction,” adding that that factions forces continue to confiscate properties like houses, commercial shops for the interests of the leaders.”
Also, arrests of kaddish civilians always happen on the accusation of communicating with the armed Kurdish forces, or of working for their interests during the Kurds’ presence in the region. Most of the violations are supervised by the leader of Souliman Shah faction’s leader Abou Ashmah and his brother Seif Ashmah and their close allies.
A.A. referred to false claims of Souliman Shah faction for bringing security and stability to the areas under their control, noting that many crimes of robbery, kidnapping, and assassination happen monthly amid media keeping their eye blind on the event.
It is worth noting that Sheikh Hadeed neighborhood is governed under Afrin city in northwest Aleppo countryside, and it is controlled by Souliman Shah faction headed by Mohamed al-Jasem (Abou Ashmah) and the Turkish forces. More than 70 percent of the indigenous inhabitants were displaced. Souliman Shah faction is considered the most influential among all the Turkish-backed National Army factions.
Moreover, Abou Ashmah is known as the most prominent person close to Turkey that empowers him with large authorities. He also carries Turkish nationality and is known for his absolute loyalty to Turkey and receives large funds directly from Turkish intelligence.