Violent Attack on Ballot Box Observers in Amsterdam During Türkiye's Upcoming Elections
(MENAFN) During Türkiye's upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections, a violent attack took place on Sunday in Amsterdam, the Netherlands' capital. The attack was carried out by a group that included supporters of the PKK terrorist organization, who assaulted ballot box observers of the People's Alliance as polls were closing at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre. The group also included ballot box observers of the Green Left Party, who were complicit in the attack.
The attackers shouted slogans in favor of the PKK and its convicted ringleader, Abdullah Ocalan, as they assaulted the observers. The police immediately rushed to the scene to intervene with batons and dogs against the attackers. They maintained security in the area until the process of closing the ballot boxes, counting the votes, and putting them in sacks and sealing them was completed.
The voting process at customs gates and overseas representations began on April 27, leading up to the May 14 elections in Türkiye. The presidential ballot will feature incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is seeking re-election, along with leading opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu, Muharrem Ince, and Sinan Ogan. Meanwhile, 24 political parties and 151 independent candidates are vying for seats in the 600-member Turkish parliament.
The attack on the ballot box observers highlights the tension and violence surrounding the upcoming elections in Türkiye. The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US, and the EU, has been responsible for numerous attacks in the country in the past. This attack is another reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism in Türkiye and the need for strong security measures during the election process. The government and security forces will need to remain vigilant to ensure the safety and security of all voters and observers during this critical time for the country.
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