Brussels in turmoil: Turkish citizens in Belgium react to PKK supporters

PKK supporters returning from so-called Newroz celebrations in Heusden-Zolder, located about an hour away from the Belgian capital Brussels, drove through the streets with rags symbolizing the terrorist organization PKK and posters of its leader Abdullah Öcalan in their vehicles.

The PKK supporters, who were also chanting slogans, passed through a street where many Turkish citizens reside. The Turkish residents reacted to the group, which led to a scuffle.

POLICE INTERVENED

Numerous police teams were dispatched to the scene, where some vehicles were set on fire. Police intervened against the group with water cannons in the Houthalen-Helchteren district, where the incidents had spread.

Heusden-Zolder Deputy Mayor Yasin Gül stated in his remarks that those participating in the provocative convoy had beaten one person.

Gül said, "We have been living here as Western European Turks for 60 years. We have never encountered such an incident in our municipality before. Almost a quarter of our municipality's population consists of citizens of Turkish origin."

Stating that state authorities showed the necessary attention once the incidents began, Gül noted that police blocked relevant roads and closed entrances following rumors that supporters of the terrorist organization from neighboring cities and countries would arrive to join the unrest.

Houthalen-Helchteren Mayor Alain Yzermans explained to the local press that the incidents began after a young Turkish man was attacked during the PKK supporters' convoy, and that the situation escalated rapidly after this spread on social media.

Yzermans noted that the situation is currently under control and that the police will remain on alert, patrolling until morning.