On March 10, Newroz, the Kurdish new year, was celebrated in Denmark’s Parliament with the participation of three ministers and several Danish politicians.

“Despite the busy election campaign, three ministers and many politicians participated. We are very proud. In many countries we have been persecuted and killed for celebrating Newroz. But here in Denmark, we can celebrate Newroz in parliament – and today three ministers participated. Thank you, Denmark,” Deniz Berxwedan Serinci, who organized the celebration, said at the event.

Denmark’s Minister of Justice Peter Hummelgaard was present at the celebration. Also, Minister of Education Matthias Tesfaye and Minister of Social Affairs and Housing Sophie Haestorp sent video messages to the event, as their busy schedules ahead of parliamentary elections meant that they were unable to attend.

“Especially at this time, when unfortunately the Kurdish people are again being subjected to great oppression and hardship, I wanted to come here and wish you a happy new year. I hope you have a nice day today and a good start to the Kurdish new year,” Minister of Justice Hummelgaard said at the event.

“I want to tell you today, as you celebrate your Newroz, I am very happy that you Kurds in this country are contributing with positive things for Danish society, and I hope you have a nice day in parliament,” Minister Tesfaye said in his video message to the participants.

“Especially as a woman – and a Social Democrat minister – it is very important for me to send a special greeting to the Kurds of Iran. To your families, to your mothers, and to your sisters, because this is a very difficult time right now. May the Kurdish New Year be a better year and time for them. Happy Newroz,” Minister Haestorp said in her video message to the event.

Several other politicians joined the event, including Danish members of Parliaments Yildiz Akdogan, Pelle Dragsted, Martin Lidegaard, Pia Olsen Dyhr, Halime Oguz, Karina Denhardt, Stinus Lindgreen, Charlotte Bromann, Fie Haekkerup, Marlene Ambo-Rasmussen, and Monika Rubin, as well as member of the European Parliament Per Clausen and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Villy Sovndal.

The Newroz celebration in parliament was originally scheduled to take place later. However, due to the Danish parliamentary elections, the event was rescheduled to March 10.