press release

Arrest of the Caravan after Protests at the Turkish-Syrian Border – Several Germans among the Arrested

Arrest of the Caravan after Protests at the Turkish-Syrian Border – Several Germans among the Arrested

Istanbul/Hanover, January 31, 2026 – On Friday, the Caravan for the Protection of Humanity issued a statement of solidarity in the city of Pirsus/Suruç, near the Turkish-Syrian border, with the people of the besieged city of Kobanê. In the statement, it criticized the international community for supporting the Islamist interim government in Damascus and called for immediate assistance for the people in northern and eastern Syria/Rojava.

After participating in a large demonstration in Pirsus and issuing the press statement, the caravan was arrested by Turkish police in the early evening hours. A total of 29 participants of various European nationalities were arrested, including individuals from Ireland, France, England, Germany, Spain, and Denmark. Among them were journalists, farmers, artisans, members of a European network against femicide, and representatives of the city partnership between Göttingen and Tirbespiyê (Syria).

At around 7 PM local time, the police stopped the caravan near Pirsus/Suruç. The official reason for the arrests is currently unavailable. The caravan members were taken by police buses to the city of Riha/Urfa. According to field reports, they were to be transferred to Istanbul and deported from Turkey.

“This is the last video from the police vehicle on the way to the deportation prison. We call on everyone to take to the streets to end the siege of Kobanê and the massacres. We want everyone to see Turkey’s involvement in this war against the Kurdish population. Let everyone raise their voice for Rojava,” said Anna Ellenberger in front of the camera in the final moments before her arrest.

As early as January 29, Turkish police arrested a group of 19 caravan members near Mêrdîn/Mardin on their way to Kobanê and deported them to Germany on January 30. Caravan participants accuse the Turkish police of serious violations, speaking of violence and torture in the deportation prison.

German Bundestag member Kassem Taher Saleh also issued a statement expressing support for the caravan.

“I call on Turkey to allow this humanitarian action and let the caravan pass. I also urge the Federal Republic of Germany to no longer turn a blind eye to the serious human rights violations committed by Islamist militias under the leadership of Al-Sharaa in northeastern Syria – and to the role played by regional actors in this,” wrote Kassem Taher Saleh.

Repression against peace activists in Turkey is not an isolated incident. In recent weeks, hundreds of people have been arrested in Turkey during demonstrations in solidarity with the people of northeastern Syria. On Saturday alone, January 24, 2026, according to the “Association of Free Lawyers” (ÖHD), 95 people were detained in Istanbul during a demonstration against the siege of Kobanê. Among them was the local chairman of the DEM party, Çınar Altan.

Media Contact:

Press team of the European Caravan: +31 6130 48773

About the “Caravan for the Protection of Humanity”

The “Caravan for the Protection of Humanity” was formed in response to increasing attacks on democratic self-government in northern and eastern Syria, also known as Rojava, by many committed people across Europe. The participants of the caravan share the goal of expressing strong solidarity with the resistance of the people in northern and eastern Syria. In recent days, more than a hundred people from over ten countries have joined the caravan. It is approaching the Turkish-Syrian border via various routes, where the besieged city of Kobanê is located.

Caravan in defence of humanity reaches Pirsûs/Suruç – Press statement at the border to Kobanê

Pirsûs/Suruç / Turkey, 30 January 2026

In order to draw attention to the humanitarian situation in Kobanê, and the Syrian army’s war on the region of the democratic self-administration in Syria (NES), a convoy made up of people from across the world have travelled together to stand in solidarity with the people of the beseiged city and region. Shortly before 3 p.m. local time today, approximately 30 participants in the “Caravan in Defence of Humanity” issued a press statement in the city of Pirsûs/Suruç. The city is located just a few kilometres from the Turkish-Syrian border, directly opposite the besieged and attacked city of Kobanê. The statement was made in connection with a large demonstration that took place.

“I joined the Caravan from France. Now I am glad that we have reached the Syrian border after a long journey. This is the right place to express our solidarity with the people of Kobanê and to support peaceful coexistence among people. We stand in solidarity with the people who have been suffering attacks from Islamist groups and the Turkish army for many years,” emphasises Elsa, speaking directly from Pirsûs/Suruç.

The Caravan was welcomed by the DEM Party/Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party.

“For years, the people have resisted the attacks of the Islamic State and finally defeated it. Now, the Kurds are once again being abandoned by the international community. Today, Kurds around the world are rising up against these attacks and are supported by their international friends. We thank you for the international solidarity with Rojava and the Kurdish people and welcome you to Suruç,” said Ayşe Sürücü, co-chair of the DEM party in the Urfa region, which includes the city of Pirsûs/Suruç.

Just this morning, new information emerged regarding negotiations between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian Transitional Government. Members of the Caravan are cautious about the implementation of any agreements by the Transitional Government in Damascus. They will continue to support the people on the ground, regardless of political developments.

“We don’t trust any of Ahmed al-Sharaa’s words. We have repeatedly had hopes for peace in recent days. The ceasefires have been broken time and again by Islamist groups, and the massacres and displacements have continued. Therefore, we continue to demand political recognition of the democratic self-administration by the international community and a clear stance against the Islamist transitional government in Damascus. We also continue to call for humanitarian aid,” emphasized Ruken Doğan from Denmark on the sidelines of the press conference in Pirsûs/Suruç.

Press Contact:

Spokespeople and participants of the Caravan are available to the press for inquiries and interviews regarding the seduction. For specific information from Pirsûs/Suruç: Ruken Doğan: +45 276 09072 Caravan Spokesperson: Gesa Jonasson +49 163 1439287

Arrests in Turkey and Protests at the Greek-Turkish Border – The Caravan for the Defense of Humanity Continues

Thessaloniki/Ankara, January 29, 2026

To draw attention to the humanitarian situation and the war in Syria, members of the “Caravan for the Defense of Humanity” protested yesterday at the Greek-Turkish border. At the same time, members of the Caravan who were travelling from the Kurdish city of Amed (Turkish: Diyarbakir) toward the Syrian border, were detained by Turkish police.

“I travelled from Germany to the Greek-Turkish border to make it clear that Europe also bears responsibility for what is happening in Syria. It is a scandal that the German government remains silent while the Turkish military wages war in Syria in violation of international law. Now, more than ever, it must use its diplomatic relations to press for an end to the violence and an end to the attacks on the territories of the Autonomous Administration”, says Lea Bunse, who protested at the Greek-Turkish border yesterday and was herself injured in a Turkish drone strike a year ago.

At the same time another part of the Caravan, which was already in Turkey, was arrested by Turkish police. The whereabouts of the 16 detainees, among them many young people and several female journalists, are currently unknown. It is unclear whether and when they will be deported to their home countries. At the time of their arrest, they were travelling from Amed to Mardin, from where they intended to continue on to the border to Kobane.

“We will not be intimidated by this repression. The Turkish state’s stance is nothing new: time and again it sides with Islamists, restricts democratic rights, and refuses humanitarian aid”, says Livia Selmi, who joined the protest from Italy.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in the city of Kobane and throughout the entire region of DAANES (Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria) continues to worsen. Basic supplies are desperately lacking, as evidenced by news reports coming out of the city in recent days. Despite the agreed-upon ceasefire, military attacks by Islamist militias and Turkey continue.

“I travelled from Hanover to stand in solidarity with the people of Kobane. The situation in the city is catastrophic: bread, water, electricity, and medicine are almost entirely unavailable. At the same time, Islamist militias, who have already committed massacres of civilians elsewhere, are attacking alongside the Turkish military”, emphasises Gesa Jonasson.

Press contact:

Spokespeople and participants of the Caravan remain available to the press for inquiries and interviews.

Caravan spokesperson: Gesa Jonasson +49 163 1439287

Caravan participant Lea Bunse: +49 176 14863535

Additional spokespeople for different languages can be reached via the general press team contact number: +31 613 048 773

Caravan for the Defense of Humanity Prepares to Cross into Turkey

Thessaloniki, January 28, 2026 – With the ‘Caravan for the Defense of Humanity’, more than one hundred people from over ten European countries are expressing solidarity with the population of the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES). For weeks, the region has been under attack by the Islamist transitional government in Damascus, supported by the Turkish military.

Traveling along several routes across Europe, the Caravan has now reached Thessaloniki. Today, participants plan to enter Turkey and continue onward to the Syrian-Turkish border, near the city of Kobane. There, they aim to support the local population in resisting the ongoing siege and to draw attention to the severe humanitarian situation on the ground.

‘We stand with the people of North and East Syria and support their efforts for democracy, peace, and freedom. We must not allow them to once again live under the threat of Islamist rule. Defending Rojava means defending basic human values’, said Ségolène Ogier, a participant from France.

Amid the years of civil war in Syria, the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES), also known as Rojava, has developed a democratic governance model centered on gender equality, grassroots councils, and an ecologically oriented economy. This system has enabled peaceful coexistence among diverse ethnic and religious communities, including Kurds, Arabs, Assyrians, Christians, and Druze.

The city of Kobane, now under siege by forces of the Syrian transitional government, became an international symbol of resistance against the so-called Islamic State in 2014. Through the efforts of the local population and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the city was successfully defended, ISIS was pushed back, and ultimately militarily defeated in 2017.

‘The people who helped rid the world of ISIS – a group that also terrorised Europe – are once again being abandoned by the international community’, said Gesa Jonasson, one of the Caravan’s spokespersons.

Participants criticise the lack of a clear stance by European governments toward the authorities in Damascus and call for political recognition of the Democratic Autonomous Administration. Instead of condemning documented war crimes committed by the Syrian transitional government, Europe has welcomed the self-declared Syrian president al-Sharaa as a state guest.

The ongoing military attacks, the catastrophic humanitarian conditions, and the forced displacement of civilians by the Syrian army, supported by Turkey, are increasingly destabilizing the region. At the same time, they pose a growing security risk for Europe. As a result of the attacks, hundreds of ISIS detainees have already escaped from prisons in North and East Syria, raising serious concerns about a possible resurgence of the group.

This press release is also available in: Slovenian, German

Press Contacts

Caravan Spokesperson:
Gesa Jonasson
+49 163 143 9287

Additional spokespersons in various languages can be reached via the general press team:
+31 6130 48773

About the ‘Caravan for the Defense of Humanity’

The ‘Caravan for the Defense of Humanity’ was formed in response to escalating attacks on the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, also known as Rojava. Participants from across Europe have come together to send a strong message of solidarity with the local population and their resistance. Over the past few days, more than one hundred people from over ten countries have joined the initiative. Traveling along multiple routes, the Caravan is making its way toward the besieged city of Kobane at the Turkish–Syrian border.

Two Germans injured in Syria join caravan to Kobane

Thessaloniki, 27 January 2026 – German peace activists Lea Bunse and Jakob Rihn have joined the ‘Caravan in Defence of Humanity’ campaign. Both were injured a year ago during the civilian defence of the Tishreen Dam on the Euphrates River in North and East Syria (NES) by Turkish drone attacks. Now they want to travel to the Turkish-Syrian border to provide medical assistance and draw attention to the alarming shortage of supplies in northern Syria.

Lea Bunse, an environmental activist from the Heilbronn district, and Jakob Rihn, a physiotherapist from Brandenburg, were already part of the peace vigil at the Tişrîn Dam in January last year. At that time, there were heavy attacks on the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (DAANES) by Islamist militias, supported by the Turkish army. 22 people were killed and more than 200 injured.

‘We have experienced first-hand what it means to be injured under fire – and how difficult medical care and the humanitarian situation are in such a situation. That is why the work of the medical personnel on site is so important,’ says Lea Bunse.

At that time, thousands of people from all parts of NES came together to protect the dam as a site of critical civilian infrastructure, supplying electricity to millions of households. They risked their lives to confront the Islamist militias and drone attacks.

Bunse and Rihn were wounded in targeted drone strikes by the Turkish army on the civilian vigil. First aid for the injured was provided under extreme conditions, as ambulances and medical personnel were also targeted.

“We had to return to Germany because of our injuries. But in our hearts, we are still with the people there. Everything that is happening right now reminds us of the situation a year ago. Once again, civilians are being targeted. Once again, attempts are being made to destroy democratic coexistence among the people of Syria”, said Rihn.

By participating in the Caravan, they not only want to raise public awareness, but also provide concrete medical support. They also want to call on international aid organisations to take a clear stand against the ongoing war crimes. Together with the Kurdish Red Crescent (Heyva Sor a Kurdistanê), they also want to organise donations to support the people. They have joined forces as the ‘Medical Support Caravan’ to pursue all these causes.

Both are available for interviews and press conferences.

Press contacts:
Lea Bunse and Jakob Rihn +491639485993
Email for the Medical Support Caravan: medicalsupportcaravan@proton.me
Instagram: @Medicalvisabilitycaravan
Press team for the Europe-wide Caravan: +31 6130 48773

About the ‘Caravan in Defence of Humanity’
The aims of the international Caravan are to break the international silence in the face of the crimes committed by al-Sharaa’s Syrian Transitional Government and to send a strong message of solidarity. Its destination is the Kurdish-majority city of Kobane in Syria, which is currently under attack and siege by the military of the Islamist transitional government of the Syrian state.

‘Caravan in Defence of Humanity’ on its way to Kobane – Solidarity knows no borders

Belgrade, 26 January 2026 – With more than 100 people from over ten countries, the ‘Caravan in Defence of Humanity’ has been travelling across Europe for three days on its way to the Syrian-Turkish border. Esterday evening, it reached the Serbian city of Belgrade. It is expected to cross the border into Turkey and leave the European Union on Wednesday, 28 January.

“We are glad that we have already made it to Belgrade and are getting closer to our destination, Kobane. Belgrade is an important stop because the city symbolises the flight of many thousands of people to Europe”, said Gesa Jonasson, spokesperson for the Caravan.

The war in Syria and the Islamic State (IS), which controlled much of the country for many years, forced hundreds of thousands of people in Syria to flee. Now Islamist forces are gaining strength again. These forces include not only the rebuilding IS, but also the Syrian transitional government itself. Ahmed al-Sharaa, a seasoned jihadist who has now gained international recognition, has risen to the top of the state.

This danger was repeatedly pointed out at many demonstrations and rallies along the Caravan’s route – a threat that not only affects the local people, but can also have an impact on security in Europe.

“The Democratic Autonomous Administration in Syria, which defeated IS and enabled different people in Syria to live together peacefully, is now once again under threat from Islamist forces. That is why we are setting off for Kobane”, Jonasson continued.

The Caravan has received tremendous support along the way. In all the cities along its route, whether in Zurich, Milan, Leipzig, Vienna or now in Belgrade, it has been welcomed and provided for by many people.

“The voices of protesters in Europe, solidarity campaigns, and our Caravan are being heard by the people in Kobane and the region,” said Zozan Kisa.

Only last night, the Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, stated live on Ronahi TV: “Global solidarity and support have a positive impact on the international powers. At the same time, they strengthen and motivate our forces in the region. As long as there is no guarantee for the future of Rojava, solidarity must continue.”

Today at 9 a.m., the Caravan will hold a rally in Luka Ćelović Park and issue a press statement. Journalists will have the opportunity to interview participants in the Caravan.

From there, the journey will continue via Thessaloniki and Ankara and finally to Kobane.

Press contacts:

Caravan spokesperson: Gesa Jonasson +49 163 1439287

Press team for the Europe-wide Caravan: +31 6130 48773

About the ‘Caravan in Defence of Humanity’

The Caravan in Defence of Humanity is the self-organised European response to the war against the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria also known as Rojava. The participants in the Caravan are united by the goal of sending a strong message of solidarity with the resistance of the people in North and East Syria. The Caravan is travelling along various routes towards the Turkish-Syrian border and the besieged city of Kobane.

Humanitarian crisis in Kobane – Support from around the world on its way to the city

January 24, 2026, Vienna – The “Caravan for the Defence of Humanity” arrives in Vienna, Austria, with over 100 people. People from across Europe have set off on four different routes to Kobane to support the local population in their resistance against the siege by the Syrian army.

“Today we received news that supplies to the city of Kobane have collapsed. The Islamist Syrian army is blocking all access routes to the city. There is no great difference between these soldiers and the Islamic State, which attacked the city a few years ago. How can it be that this city and its inhabitants, who have become a symbol of resistance against IS, are being left alone in this difficult situation”, criticises Gesa Jonasson, spokesperson for the Caravan.

The participants in the Caravan came from various regions of Europe, including Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Catalonia, and England. The participants from Colombia had the longest journey. “We in Colombia know what it means to live in war. Our country was also destroyed. But the strong women in Raqqa, whom I met on my trip to the region in 2025, impressed me greatly with their courage and resistance against ISIS”, emphasises Lalo Londono from Colombia.

For many years, the Arab city of Raqqa was the capital of the so-called Islamic State (IS) until it was liberated by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in October 2017. Among the fighters were many Arab women from the region. A few days ago, the Syrian army took the city despite the resistance of the SDF. Many participants in the Caravan share the concern that the war waged by the government in Damascus will cause Islamist forces such as IS to regain strength throughout the region. Since the self-proclaimed transitional government took power, massacres of various minorities in Syria have already taken place.
“Democratic self-government stands for direct democracy, women’s freedom, and peaceful coexistence between different peoples, such as Druze, Kurds, Assyrians, and many more. We cannot remain silent when these very people are threatened by a humanitarian catastrophe, as is currently the case in Kobane”, says Zozan Kisa, a participant in the Caravan.

On January 25, 2026, a rally with a press conference will take place on Heldenplatz in Vienna. From there, the Caravan will continue its journey via Serbia, Greece, and Turkey to the Syrian-Turkish border.

Press contact:
Caravan participant from Frankfurt am Main: Zozan Kisa +49 157 332 08412
Caravan spokesperson: Gesa Jonasson +49 163 1439287
Press team for the Europe-wide Caravan: +31 6130 48773

“Caravan in Defense of Humanity” – More than 100 participants in the caravan on their way to the city of Kobane

January 23, 2026, Frankfurt am Main – After the “Caravan for the Defense of Humanity”
announced its start with a press conference yesterday, more than 100 participants joined on its first
day. On two routes in Germany, from Cologne via Frankfurt and Freiburg to Zurich, and from
Hanover via Kassel to Leipzig, the caravan is approaching its intermediate destination of Vienna. At
the same time, a convoy of the caravan set off from the French city of Lyon towards Turin.

The many people from different parts of Europe are united by the common goal of sending a strong
signal of solidarity with the resistance of the population of the democratic self-administration in
Syria. They also want to use their action to break the international silence on the war crimes
committed by the Syrian Islamist army. To this end, they set off today. Their destination: the
Kurdish city of Kobane in Syria. This city is currently surrounded by the Syrian army. According to
reports, the Syrian army has cut off the electricity and water supply, and the internet is also down.

Today, a convoy of the caravan also set off in France. After a press conference, several cars carrying
more than 10 people set off for Vienna. “The fact that more than 100 people joined the caravan on
the first day is a great success and a strong sign of solidarity,” said Gesa Jonasson, spokesperson for
the caravan.

In Germany, the routes of the individual convoys passed through many different cities. In each city,
they were welcomed by hundreds of people, who provided them with food and organized
accommodation for the night. “The support we have received on our journey so far has been
overwhelming. Thousands of people are already involved in this campaign,” Gesa Jonasson
continued.

In the various cities, the caravan took part in local rallies and demonstrations protesting, among
other things, the human rights violations committed by the Syrian army. In many speeches, such as
at the rally in Kassel, the danger posed by the rise of Islamic State in Syria was addressed. Zozan
Kisa, who joined the caravan in Frankfurt, emphasizes: “The Syrian army itself consists of Islamist
groups and has now opened several prisons where members of the Islamic State were previously
guarded by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). We keep hearing how afraid people in Syria are of
these developments, especially groups such as the Kurds, Yazidis, Alawites, and Christians. But it is
not only in Syria that people are concerned. The Islamic State has also carried out many attacks in
Europe in recent years. “The Syrian Democratic Forces have also fought against ISIS for our
security,” emphasizes a participant in the rally in Frankfurt am Main.

Tomorrow, the caravan will make a stopover in Munich. A press conference will be held there at
1:00 p.m. at Kulturladen Westend, Ligsalzstraße 36. At this press conference, the caravan will once
again introduce itself to the public. Members of the press are cordially invited to attend.

Press contact:
Participants in the caravan from Frankfurt am Main: Zozan Kisa + 0157 332 08412
Spokesperson for the caravan: Gesa Jonasson +49 163 1439287
Press team for the Europe-wide caravan: +31 6130 48773

‘Caravan to defend Humanity’ to Syria starts in Hanover – Participants protest against war crimes committed by the Syrian army and call for participation.

22 January 2026, Hanover – Today at 4 p.m., the Caravan was presented to the public at a press conference held as part of a large demonstration in Hanover. The aim of the international Caravan is to break the international silence in the face of the crimes committed by the Syrian military and to send a strong message of solidarity. Its destination is the Kurdish city of Kobane in Syria, which is currently under attack by the military of the Islamist transitional government of the Syrian state.

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