Clashes in London as PKK terrorist group supporters protest
Clashes erupted between police and supporters of the PKK terrorist group, London, UK, Nov 27, 2024. (AA Photo)
Clashes erupted between police and supporters of the PKK terrorist group in the Harringay neighborhood of London on Wednesday after the Metropolitan Police arrested seven individuals in connection with suspected terrorist activity linked to the group.
The PKK, responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people in Türkiye, is designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, U.S., UK, and EU.
A group of PKK supporters gathered in Harringay, chanting slogans against Türkiye and calling for “Freedom for Ocalan,” referring to Abdullah Ocalan, the convicted ringleader of the PKK who is serving a life sentence in Türkiye.
Tensions escalated when protesters resisted police efforts to set up barricades, leading to a scuffle.
In response to the escalating tensions, the Secretary of State invoked emergency powers under Article 239 of the Air Navigation Order 2016 to restrict flights in the area. The measure was deemed necessary “by reason of an emergency having arisen in that area” to ensure public safety and mitigate risks during the unrest.
To quell the unrest, the police deployed a large number of officers, including a helicopter.
Earlier on Wednesday, seven people were arrested in a coordinated operation by London’s Counter Terrorism Command.
‘We believe it is linked to terrorist group PKK’
The arrests were made at various locations throughout London under Section 41(1) of the Terrorism Act of 2000. All of the suspects are currently in custody at a London police station.
“Officers continue to carry out search activity at the Kurdish Community Centre as part of the ongoing investigation, and it remains closed to the public at this time,” the police said.
“Four protestors from among the group have been arrested, although the arrests are not directly connected to the investigation into the seven people arrested by the Counter Terrorism Command,” it added.
Acting Commander Helen Flanagan emphasized that the arrests were part of a “significant investigation and operation into activity we believe is linked to the terrorist group PKK.”
She reassured the public, stating, “There is not believed to be any imminent threat to the public linked to the matters under investigation.”
Flanagan added: “I hope these arrests demonstrate that we will not tolerate any sort of terrorist activity and will act where we believe harm is being caused to communities here in the UK or elsewhere.”
“I would also ask that people avoid speculating or sharing unverified details online about this activity. Local officers will continue to be present in the area over the coming days to provide reassurance to local residents and I would urge anyone with concerns to speak with these officers,” she underlined.
Exclusive
Exclusive: Irish ambassador on US reputation, EU-US ties and Ireland’s elections
Fire-related air pollution responsible for 1.5 million deaths, study says
Greek archaeologist protests auction of Roman artifact looted from Türkiye
