PKK supporters attack Turkish protesters in Paris

By Esma Arslan

PARIS (AA) - A group of Turkish demonstrators protesting the PKK terrorist organization were attacked by the group's supporters in the French capital on Sunday.

Gathering in Paris’ Place de la Republique, the crowd was attacked by a pro-PKK group with iron sticks, according to eyewitnesses speaking to Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity due to security concerns.

At least five people, including women and children, were injured in the attack.

According to the witnesses, the group aimed to deter anti-terror protests in the French city.

European countries have been criticized in the past for failing to act against the PKK.

Aside from France, the PKK is also active in such EU countries as Germany, Austria, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Greece.

The PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and EU – resumed its decades-old armed campaign in July last year and has been responsible for the deaths of more than 1,100 security force members and civilians, including women and children.