Kurdish leader’s arrest sparks armed stand-off

Europe Uncategorized

About 500 Kurds gathered outside the Greek embassy in Holland Park, West London to protest against the arrest of their leader, Abdullah Ocalan.

Around 70 Kurdish activists stormed the embassy on Tuesday, taking a junior embassy official hostage after Ocalan – Turkey’s most wanted man – was arrested as he changed planes in Nairobi.

Armed metropolitan police took part in a stand-off, both with Kurds inside the building and demonstrators outside – one of whom, 15-year old Nejla Kantyeper, is being treated for first degree burns after setting fire to herself.

Further protests against Ocalan’s arrest were carried out in 20 countries across Europe, from Marseille to Copenhagen.

Richard Powell was outside the embassy for the second and third days…