PKK supporters hold anti-Turkey demonstration in Vienna

By Hasan Tosun

VIENNA, Austria (AA) – Sympathizers of the terrorist organization PKK marched against Turkey in Austria's capital Vienna on Saturday.

About 500 supporters had gathered in front of Turkey's Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe permanent representation office, and unfurled banners against Turkey and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

They also went to the Austrian Parliament, where they chanted slogans and read a statement against Turkey.

A large number of police officers were present to provide security during the demonstration.

Social Democratic Party's state deputy Tarik Mete in a statement on his social media account asked the Austrian government to put a stop to the terrorist organization.

"The PKK is on the Europe's terrorist organizations list. However, many Austrian politicians give support to this organization and carry out lobbying activities for the organization.

“Even others demand the removal of the organization from terrorist organizations’ list. For some people, it is time to put some distance between themselves and this organization," he said.

The PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and EU – resumed its 30-year armed campaign against the Turkish state in July 2015.

Since then, more than 600 security personnel have been martyred and more than 7,000 PKK terrorists have been killed.