Appeal of Assyria Liberation Party to the Assyrian people. SEMELE HILL IS NOT NEGOTIABLE!

Recently, we have seen individuals on social media presenting themselves as “representatives of Assyria.” These individuals attempt to position themselves as neutral figures using statements such as “we are not interested in politics” and “we do not belong to any political party.” Unfortunately such statements are completely unfounded and are aimed at neutralizing public opinion. At the same time, the statements and discussions of these figures concern the most sensitive topics and political issues that are painful for Assyrian society such as the tragedy in Semele in 1933.

Today, some political and public figures disguised as independent activists are trying to impose on Assyrian society the idea of erecting a monument to the victims of the Simele massacre not on Simele Hill but somewhere else which is a clear disregard for history and the memory of the victims of the 1933 ethnic cleansing.

The erection of a monument outside Simele Hill is tantamount to denying the very fact of the massacre. No monuments in churchyards or on private property will give the idea of recognizing the Simele massacre as genocide any legally significant status. 

We openly ask ourselves: Why does the kurdish parliament ignore the issue of recognizing and even mentioning the massacre in Semele?

If kurdish political structures so desire, the massacre in Semele could be legally recognized in the kurdish parliament, especially since the massacre was carried out by Iraqi government forces. Unfortunately however some Assyrian parties, and especially some delegates from abroad constantly serve Kurdish political interests and reduce this issue to nothing with their destructive activities. This is nothing less than treason!

The Dohuk (Nohadra) administration states: “Semele Hill is a historical site artifacts have been found on its territory and in the near future the hill will be surrounded by a wall to preserve the artifacts and continue excavations.” Several years ago a group of archaeologists consisting of two germans and six kurds worked on the hill. In the whole of Iraq which is littered with artifacts from various eras, these “archaeologists” chose Semele Hill. Later they will discover some ancient tools there and declare this place an archaeological monument under the protection of the authorities. In our opinion, this is nothing more than a veiled attempt to erase the traces of mass graves from the hill and in one day present the fact of the massacre to the world community as a fabricated event like everything else related to us from the series “we invented ourselves, our history, our name, our title, and much more.”  Everyone should know that in a few years Hill Simele like the village of Heniz will be hidden behind walls and entry to its territory will become at best paid if not completely inaccessible. The remains of our martyrs if the kurdish administration allows it will be visited as a “tourist attraction,” which is absolutely unacceptable!

The issue of Mount Semele is extremely delicate and sensitive for the Assyrian people. History is not a school subject or an exact science; history is an executioner that will inevitably punish those who betray it. Tomorrow these “neutral activists” will not even be able to look their grandchildren in the eye!

No one can bargain with the remains of Assyrian martyrs! A monument must be erected on Semele Hill. Our ancestors lie there, their holy martyr's blood was shed there, their mass grave is there!

Martyrs do not die, traitors are not forgotten!

ASSYRIA LIBERATION PARTY

16.09.2025