Barbara Kistler Swiss internationalist revolutionary Date of Birth: 21.11.1955 Country: Switzerland

1. Barbara Anna Kistler: A Swiss Revolutionary
2. Early Life and Activism
3. A Defining Moment in Turkey
4. Joining the Turkish Struggle
5. Kinema in Turkey
6. Defiance in Court
7. Return to Turkey and Tragic End
8. Legacy: A Symbol of Internationalism

Barbara Anna Kistler: A Swiss Revolutionary

Barbara Anna Kistler, a Swiss revolutionary, played a significant role in Turkey's armed struggle. After her tragic demise, she became an emblem of internationalism for Turkish and European leftists.

Early Life and Activism

Kistler was born into a working-class family in Switzerland. Her fascination with politics began at a young age, and she joined left-wing organizations at the age of 16. She actively participated in the women's and anti-fascist movements from the age of 17. In her early activism, she protested against state repression and supported political prisoners.

A Defining Moment in Turkey

In 1980, Kistler's path took a transformative turn. Youth protests erupted in Zurich simultaneously with a military coup in Turkey. The new regime in Turkey brought extensive human rights violations, mass arrests, and inhumane prison conditions.

Joining the Turkish Struggle

Deeply affected by the events in Turkey, Kistler sought connections with Turkish revolutionary emigrants. In the mid-1980s, she established contact with members of the Communist Party of Turkey/Marxist-Leninist (CPT/ML), led by Ibrahim Kaypakkaya. After extensive discussions, she became disillusioned with the Swiss old left's reluctance to engage in anti-imperialist and national liberation struggles. Consequently, she joined the CPT/ML and traveled to Turkey.

Kinema in Turkey

In Turkey, Kistler adopted the pseudonym "Kinema" and worked as a journalist. However, she was arrested on May 19, 1991, during a police raid on her apartment in Istanbul. Two of her party comrades who had left her apartment shortly before were killed.

Defiance in Court

After two weeks of torture in Bayrampaşa prison, Kistler made a powerful statement during her trial. She condemned Turkish authorities for fascism and declared, "You have no right to judge proletarian internationalism!" She was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison for translating a banned organization's text.

Return to Turkey and Tragic End

After several months in prison, Kistler was deported to Switzerland in September 1991. However, she returned to Turkey incognito just a month later and joined the armed wing of the CPT/ML, the Workers' and Peasants' Liberation Army of Turkey (TIKKO). During a guerrilla operation, she was killed in a confrontation with the Turkish army.

Legacy: A Symbol of Internationalism

Barbara Anna Kistler's life and actions embody the spirit of internationalism. Her unwavering commitment to justice and her willingness to sacrifice her own life for the cause of freedom continue to inspire generations of activists. Her legacy as a Swiss guerrilla in the mountains of Turkey serves as a reminder of the power of solidarity and the transformative potential of revolutionary struggle.