Ankara condemns PKK attack on children’s festival in Switzerland

THE FOREIGN Ministry yesterday strongly condemned an attack carried out by the PKK terrorist group’s supporters against a children’s festival in Basel, Switzerland.

“We strongly condemn the attack by the supporters of the terrorist organization on the April 23 International Children’s Festival,” the ministry said in a written statement.

Stressing that the terrorist group and its supporters degraded themselves to the extent of targeting a children’s festival in the heart of Europe, the ministry said the latest incident was yet further evidence of the PKK’s true colors.

“We wish a speedy recovery to our citizens injured by the attack and expect the perpetrators of this heinous act to be brought to justice immediately and receive their due punishment,” it added.

According to interviewed event-goers, a group of 30 PKK supporters first verbally attacked Turkish families taking part in the festival and then threw iron barriers that protected the celebration area at them, leaving at least six wounded, who were taken to a hospital.

The PKK terror group continues using the European Union’s territory for propaganda, recruitment, fundraising and logistical support activities, according to a report by the EU’s law enforcement agency.

Europol’s annual terrorism report, titled “European Union Terrorism Situation and Trend Report,” suggests the PKK is actively engaged in propaganda activities as well as collecting money in European countries such as Belgium, Germany and Romania.

“Members and sympathizers of the PKK continued to be involved in legal and illegal activities to raise funds to support the group and its affiliates,” the report said.

“The main source of revenue appeared to be the annual fundraising campaign and cultural events. Legitimate businesses were also used. For example, law enforcement in Germany shut down two companies suspected of being part of PKK organizational and financial structures across Europe,” it added. Several European countries informed Europol that the group was also involved in serious and organized criminal activities, according to the report.

Also, the PKK and its sympathizers have carried out many violent attacks and rallies targeting the Turkish community in Europe.

Turkey has long criticized European authorities for tolerating PKK activities in the country and has pressured them to take stricter measures against the propaganda, recruitment and fundraising activities of the group.

Despite its status as a designated international terrorist organization, the PKK has enjoyed relative freedom in European cities and has a particularly strong presence in Germany.

PKK supporters have been allowed to hold rallies, recruit militants and collect funds in Germany, which is home to some 5 million people of Turkish origin, including Kurds.

In its more than 40-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S., and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people.