Growing repression against peace delegates in Frankfurt

The actions of German security authorities against the international “Delegation for Peace and Freedom in Kurdistan” once again unmask the German government as a supporter of Turkish fascism. This is shown by the results of Sunday’s escalation at Frankfurt airport against delegates returning from southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq).

Officers of the Evidence and Arrest Unit (BFE) Hesse yesterday harassed delegation members who had arrived as well as activists who had gathered for a solidarity reception at the airport. The police were extremely aggressive and used open violence against the peace delegates and their supporters. Several people had their heads pushed against the wall and were detained without justification. One person involved in the reception was taken to the ground and restrained before being taken away for identification. In his case, the authorities appear to be trying to construct a breach of the peace and resistance to law enforcement officers. Preliminary proceedings were initiated against him.

One member of the delegation has been interrogated on the grounds that he is “wanted for questioning”. Another person is being criminalized for leading an unannounced rally, even though it did not take place. The BFE had refused to register the rally despite constitutional claims. The personal details of all activists were taken down.

Systematic attempts at intimidation

On Wednesday, one of the last groups of the peace delegation returned to Frankfurt. Six members of the delegation were detained and interrogated there for several hours. Precisely to prevent a repetition of this situation, a call was made for a solidarity reception on Sunday.

Successful peace initiative despite repression

The delegation had traveled to South Kurdistan earlier this month to draw attention to the Turkish invasion of the region, which has been ongoing since April 24, and to hold talks with politicians and civil society. The population affected by the occupation rejects the war and appeals to the international community to build diplomatic pressure to stop the invasion.

In response to this call for help, 150 politicians, academics, human rights activists and activists from 14 European countries had formed a peace delegation and traveled to South Kurdistan to create international publicity. Despite severe obstruction of the delegation by German and Iraqi authorities, who prevented an important part of the delegation, including several members of parliament, from leaving Germany or entering Hewlêr (Erbil), the delegation was successful. A broad, international media coverage was achieved and the initiative “Defend Kurdistan” was proclaimed.

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