ANKARA
The co-leader of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) in Türkiye, expressed support for violent protests in France by proponents of the PKK terror group after a recent shooting.
Sezai Temelli tweeted in French and Kurmanji on Saturday, “Paris brule. Paris disewite, bila bisewite,” which translates to “Paris is burning. Paris is burning, let it burn.”
Temelli later removed the tweet, saying: “I deleted my #Paris tweet. Emotions can sometimes cause other tensions, albeit unintentionally. I am very sorry for the massacre. I continue to defend the democratic right to protest.”
Having gathered at the central Place de la Republique at around 2.00 p.m. local time (1300GMT), thousands of supporters of the terror group marched to the Boulevard du Temple chanting pro-PKK slogans and carrying posters of the terror group’s so-called leaders.
They then ripped off paving stones and threw them at the police, nearby homes, and shops. The attackers also used fireworks and sparklers, destroying bus stops.
The police intervened in the scene in a limited fashion, occasionally using tear gas against the attackers.
On Friday, a 69-year-old gunman in Paris opened fire, killing at least three people and injuring three others, according to local media reports.
Suspected racist motivations behind the attack will be investigated, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau has said.
Following the incident, supporters of the PKK terror organization wounded at least six police officers on Friday, according to local media.
In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants. Though normally officially banned, the terrorist group also has a presence in numerous European countries.
The Turkish government accuses the HDP of having links to the PKK terror group.
