Published November 27,2024
Subscribe
Supporters of the PKK terrorist group clashed with police in London’s Harringay neighborhood on Wednesday after the Metropolitan Police arrested seven individuals in reference to suspected terrorist exercise linked to the group.
The PKK, answerable for the deaths of over 40,000 individuals in Türkiye, is designated as a terrorist group by Türkiye, US, UK, and EU.
A gaggle of PKK supporters gathered in Harringay, chanting slogans towards Türkiye and calling for “Freedom for Ocalan,” referring to Abdullah Ocalan, the convicted ringleader of the PKK who’s serving a life sentence in Türkiye.
Tensions escalated when protesters resisted police efforts to arrange barricades, resulting in a scuffle.
In response to the escalating tensions, the Secretary of State invoked emergency powers underneath Article 239 of the Air Navigation Order 2016 to limit flights within the space. The measure was deemed mandatory “by reason of an emergency having arisen in that area” to make sure public security and mitigate dangers in the course of the unrest.
To quell the unrest, the police deployed numerous officers, together with a helicopter.
Seven individuals had been arrested in a coordinated operation by London’s Counter Terrorism Command.
The arrests had been made at numerous areas all through London underneath Section 41(1) of the Terrorism Act of 2000. All of the suspects are at the moment 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 stated.
“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 emphasised that the arrests had been a part of a “significant investigation and operation into activity we believe is linked to the terrorist group PKK.”
“I want to stress that today’s arrests are targeted specifically at those we believe may be involved in suspected terrorist activity,” she famous.
“We understand these arrests have caused some concern amongst certain local communities-particularly those in the Kurdish community. I want to reassure the community that our activity is being carried out to keep everyone safe from potential harm, including those within the Kurdish community itself,” she added.
“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.
Source: www.anews.com.tr