News Center — Journalist Ayfer Serçe was assassinated in Iran in 2004 while conducting field research on the conditions of women. She was killed under mysterious circumstances that remain unresolved to this day, despite continuous demands for a transparent investigation to identify those responsible and reveal the location of her body.

On Saturday, July 19, the Mesopotamia Women Journalists Association (MKG) issued a statement marking the 20th anniversary of the assassination of Ayfer Serçe (Şîlan Aras), one of the most prominent icons of the free press, stressing the importance of achieving justice and restoring the truth.

The statement noted that Ayfer Serçe did not view journalism merely as a profession, but as a platform to represent the voices of the people, women, and the marginalized. She was assassinated in Iran during field research on women's conditions, violence, and social inequalities. Despite the passage of two decades, no effective investigation has been conducted to uncover the details of the crime or the location of her body, and her remains still remain unknown to her family.

"She Lost Her Life in Pursuit of the Truth"

The statement emphasized that Ayfer Serçe dedicated her journalistic career to highlighting women's stories. She documented the conditions of Kurdish women in Armenia and the oppression, underage marriage, and inequality they faced. She then continued her investigations into female suicides in East Kurdistan, losing her life in her pursuit of uncovering the truth.

The statement pointed out that one of her greatest dreams was to establish a news agency dedicated exclusively to women. This dream has been realized today through the efforts of women journalists; the platforms that allow women to express themselves, set their own agendas, and advance feminist journalism represent a prominent part of her professional and humanitarian legacy.

The MKG statement stressed that Ayfer Serçe's struggle remains alive—not only through the practice of journalism but also in her efforts to build an alternative, free understanding of the press in defiance of male dominance in the media.

"Today, journalists continue to document the resistance, struggle, and lives of women throughout history, walking the path paved by Ayfer Serçe. As the Mesopotamia Women Journalists Association, we reaffirm that we will continue to support her struggle for truth, and we will work to expand her legacy."