A symbol of Kurdish resistance and women’s sacrifice remembered.
May 12 marks the anniversary of the execution of Leyla Qasim and her comrades, a date widely regarded as a significant and somber moment in the modern history of the Kurdish struggle for freedom.
This year, the anniversary was commemorated across the Kurdistan Region as a reminder of their sacrifice and enduring legacy. Leaders and officials highlighted their role as symbols of resistance and inspiration for generations of Kurds.
In a message marking the occasion, Masoud Barzani honored Leyla Qasim and her fellow martyrs, stating that they gave their lives for the dignity and freedom of their people. He added that they remain powerful role models for those who continue to seek freedom and justice.
Nechirvan Barzani also commemorated the anniversary, describing Leyla Qasim as a national symbol and a source of inspiration, particularly for Kurdish women. He emphasized her courage and determination in the face of execution, noting that her legacy reflects strength, resilience, and sacrifice for national identity.
Born in 1952 in the village of Bamila near Khanaqin, Leyla Qasim came from a modest family and pursued her education in Khanaqin and later at University of Baghdad, where she studied sociology.
Her political activism and outspoken stance against oppression led to her arrest by the Ba’ath regime. She was tried and sentenced to death alongside her comrades in what is widely described as a summary and politically motivated trial.
On May 12, 1974, at the age of 22, Leyla Qasim and four of her fellow activists were executed. Their deaths have since become a powerful symbol of resistance and are commemorated annually as part of Kurdish national memory, representing sacrifice, identity, and the ongoing struggle for freedom.