PKK supporters attack Turkish nationals in Brussels

By Hasan Esen

BRUSSELS (AA) - At least eight victims, including a police officer, were wounded late Friday when PKK supporters who were demonstrating in Anvers province attacked a number of Turkish nationals.

Authorities allowed a bus that was advertising PKK rags to use Brederode Street, that is restricted for demonstrators, according to the Het Laatste Nieuws newspaper.

The demonstrators tried to provoke Turks living in the neighborhood, by waving the rags and posters of terror leader Abdullah Ocalan.

Police used tear gas to control the protest and the newspaper said more than 50 PKK supporters were taken into custody.

It is unclear as to what extent of injuries victims suffered.

Belgium has become a hotbed for PKK supporters, after a court ruled last month the group was not a terror organization.

More than 1,200 people, including security force personnel and civilians, have lost their lives in Turkey since the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and EU -- resumed its decades-old armed campaign against the Turkish sate in July 2015.