Erdogan calls Ghent victim of Turkish-Kurdish riots, day after De Croo warned of foreign interference

Turkish President Erdogan called a Turkish boy from his private plane, who is currently in the Maria Middelares hospital in Ghent. In it, Erdogan supposedly gave the victim a heartfelt boost. But by widely distributing the recording of the conversation internationally, Erdogan is making a major political statement. In the video, Erdogan supports the Turkish diaspora in Europe.

Oil on the fire

It adds fuel to the fire in the years-long feud between Turks and the Kurdish minority group. And this at a time when there has been unrest between the two communities in Belgium for days. That friction started in Heusden-Zolder in Limburg, but has now spread to Ghent. Several nights in a row, destruction was caused there and dozens of rioters were arrested.

Erdogan’s statements also come just after the federal government warned the population against foreign interference and influence in the run-up to the elections in June. Prime Minister De Croo and co organized a press conference about this on Wednesday.

The security services are closely monitoring the tensions between Turks and Kurds. But State Security currently sees no indications of possible security risks, the Prime Minister’s Office reported today.

Visiting the sick

The Ghent victim received a visit from the Turkish ambassador to Belgium yesterday. Ghent mayor Mathias De Clercq (Open Vld) also came to encourage the boy. The young man was beaten up in broad daylight by a group of Kurds on the street. He belongs to the so-called fourth generation that grew up here in Belgium – his father belongs to the third generation.

The Turkish attacks in Heusden-Zolder and Ghent are said to come mainly from the camp of the so-called ‘Gray Wolves’, and not so much from the camp of President Erdogan’s AKP party.

Gathering ban

From 9 p.m. tonight, a ban on gatherings applies at about 10 places in Ghent. This means that groups of more than 9 people are not allowed to meet. The police will monitor the ban and also carry out systematic identity checks.

“We are really not going to tolerate young people taking matters into their own hands and causing destruction. Of the 22 young people arrested yesterday, half were minors. They can expect a visit from the police at home,” says Mayor De Clercq. “In the meantime, together with the communities, we continue to call for calm, so as not to incite each other. The police also maintain an increased presence on the site.”