PKK terror group supporters protest in front of Council of Europe

By Selen Temizer

BRUSSELS (AA) – Supporters of the terrorist group PKK on Monday held a protest in front of the Council of Europe building in Strasbourg, France.

Demonstrators unfurled banners with the theme "Freedom for Ocalan,” referring to convicted terrorist ringleader Abdullah Ocalan, who is serving out a life sentence for his crimes.

Serap Yasar, a deputy for Türkiye’s Justice and Development (AK) Party who came to Strasbourg for the council – which Türkey is a member of – for a week of working meetings, told Anadolu Agency that the protests are against the law and the council's very purpose.

"The reason for the existence of the Council of Europe is the rule of law and the protection of human rights. Thus these acts are contrary to its own reason for existence. Praising a terrorist is a crime,” he explained.

“This cannot be explained through freedom of expression. In my opinion, it is an illegal situation. If it is tolerated, that is also wrong."

She called the situation “concerning in terms of the council, human rights, and the fight against terrorism.”

Supporters of the terrorist PKK have been known from time to time to hold demonstrations in front of Council of Europe and European Union institutions.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the US, and the EU – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people.

* Writing by Seda Sevencan in Istanbul