November 27th 2024.
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In the bustling streets of north London, a protest for a Free Kurdistan turned violent as protesters clashed with police. The chaotic scene was captured on video as around 100 demonstrators rushed towards a police line near a Kurdish community centre.
Earlier that day, six people had been arrested by counter terror officers for their alleged involvement with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is considered a terrorist group. The protesters, who were there to attend an event at the community centre, were outraged and blocked from entering. Some held up banners with the message "free Kurdistan" as they demanded to be let in.
The tension continued to escalate as police vehicles, helicopters, and the Territorial Support Group arrived at the scene. One man was even arrested and put into a van after attempting to break through police lines. The PKK, an organisation fighting for Kurdish independence from Turkey, is banned as a terrorist group in the UK.
Amidst the chaos, one protester, Ali, spoke to Metro about the situation. He explained that the arrests had been made earlier that day, with five at the community centre and one at their home. According to Ali, these individuals were community leaders and had done nothing wrong. He and others felt that the police had acted unfairly and were outraged that their community centre had been cordoned off.
The six arrested individuals, four men and two women, were detained under the counter terrorism act. However, detectives assured the public that there was no immediate threat. Acting Commander Helen Flanagan from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command stated that the arrests were a result of a significant investigation into suspected terrorist activity linked to the PKK.
As part of the ongoing investigation, police were conducting searches at eight addresses across London, including the Kurdish Community Centre. The search at the centre was expected to last up to two weeks, causing inconvenience to the public. However, Flanagan emphasized that their priority was protecting all communities, especially the Turkish and Kurdish communities.
Despite the inconvenience, Flanagan urged anyone who may have been affected or targeted by the PKK to come forward and speak to the police. She also reassured the public that additional officers will be patrolling the area and that there will be an increased police presence in the coming days. The investigation may cause disruption, but it is crucial in gathering evidence and ensuring the safety of all communities.
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