Pro-PKK deputy sought in terror probe honored in France

Fugitive Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) deputy Faysal Sarıyıldız, currently being sought in a terror probe, will be honored in a city in France. According to a report by the French daily Le Parisien, HDP's Şırnak deputy Sarıyıldız will be honored as a co-citizen of Champigny. The move by the French city is seen as another example of Europe's tolerance towards the PKK terrorist organization and PKK-linked figures. The mayor of Champigny, Dominique Adenot, reportedly made the decision to show solidarity with the oppressed. Sarıyıldız was accused of supplying arms to the PKK in July 2015.Also, in late January he reportedly attempted to entrap security forces in the Cizre district of Şırnak, claiming that, "Thirty people have been wounded in the basement of a building and cannot reach an ambulance."

The claim eventually was proved to be a hoax, allegedly made up in order to trap security members.

Ankara has been railing at European Union countries for remaining indifferent to the PKK and its supporters across the continent. The PKK erected a tent in front of the European Council building in Brussels after supporters received permission from the Belgian government to keep the tent up until the end of March. Despite pledges to cooperate in the fight against terrorism, this move from the Belgian government raised eyebrows in Turkey. A similar tent was set up in the Austrian capital in June as well.

The PKK's supporters received permission from the government to set up the tent, adorned with posters of jailed PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, and a flag for the terrorist organization, for 10 days in Stefanplatz Square.