The indefinite sit-in in front of the European Parliament in Strasbourg continues since October 23rd. Demonstrators demand an urgent visit by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) to Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan jailed in Imrali Island Prison.

At around 14:40 Tuesday afternoon, a group of Turkish fascists came the area in a car and started to utter insults against the demonstrators.

The French police remained silent in the face of the provocation by the fascist group, and preferred to attack the Kurdish demonstrators who tried to drive the provocateurs away.

Police used tear gas and resorted to violence as demonstrators reacted to the crackdown. Many people including a journalist were battered and at least 7 were injured during the aggression.

Initial reports suggest that 5 people were taken into custody as the “Robocop” police have surrounded the mass and are making attempts for further detentions.

Tensions continue at the scene of the sit-in for the Kurdish leader.

Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan hasn’t been allowed to meet with his lawyers since July 27, 2011 and with the Imrali Delegation since April 5, 2015. When Kurdish politicians launched an non-alternate indefinite hunger strike, he was allowed to meet with his brother Mehmet Öcalan on September 11, 2016, and hasn’t been heard from since then. The latest news have increased concerns for his health and safety.