STOP CRIMINALISING
THE KURDISH COMMUNITY
We stand united against criminalisation of our community
The raid on the Kurdish Community Centre (KCC) in Haringey on 27 November 2024 marks a critical turning point in the relationship between the Kurdish community and law enforcement in the United Kingdom. Under the guise of counter-terrorism legislation, the Metropolitan Police deployed hundreds of officers, including riot police and armed units, to storm a peaceful community organisation, as well as the homes of seven individuals, linked to the Kurdish Community Centre.
This excessive, unjustified, and damaging raid has disrupted the lives of peaceful individuals, targeted a vital community institution, and raised serious concerns about the erosion of civil liberties, the misuse of police powers, and the potential fracture of community cohesion.
Kurdish Community Centre has been under police siege since 27 November. We demand of reopening of community centre. And restore the KCC’s operations to reinstate critical community services and rebuild trust. [The siege was lifted on 5th November]
We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals detained during the raids. These individuals have been held without credible evidence, under the pretext of counter-terrorism laws that have been misapplied in this case.
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We demand a full, independent investigation into the actions of the Metropolitan Police during the raid on the Kurdish Community Centre (KCC). This investigation must rigorously examine the use of excessive force, the justification for the operation.
Questions Regarding External Influence and Collusion
Was the assault on the Kurdish Community Centre (KCC) instigated due to demands from the Turkish state?
We seek clarification on whether the actions taken by UK law enforcement were influenced by requests or pressure from the Turkish government. Given the longstanding tensions between the Turkish state and Kurdish activism, it is essential to understand whether these events were shaped by external political considerations.
Were Turkish officials or law enforcement personnel involved in the raids, particularly at the Kurdish Community Centre?
It is critical to determine whether any personnel from the Turkish state, including police or intelligence officers, were present or involved in the planning or execution of the raid on the KCC and associated actions. Transparency in this regard is vital to ensure that UK sovereignty and the protection of British citizens’ rights were not compromised.
Has the Turkish government been informed of the identities of the detainees, and can the British government guarantee the safety of detainees' relatives in Turkey?
If the Turkish authorities have been informed about the identities of those detained, we request assurances from the British government that the families of these individuals—many of whom reside in Turkey—will not face reprisals, arrests, or persecution. The UK government must guarantee that the rights and safety of detainees’ families will be protected from any form of retaliation or political targeting.
