Six individuals sustained injuries during clashes between individuals of Kurdish and Turkish descent in the Belgian province of Limburg on Sunday. Police presence will be heightened at the site
of the unrest and in nearby schools and mosques in the ensuing weeks.
Of the six injured, five suffered minor injuries while one sustained serious wounds. Following the incidents, one individual was apprehended, and a crisis meeting was convened on Monday in the Limburg municipality of Houthalen.
"The confrontation ensued when a convoy of Kurds from Leuven was en route to Houthalen and Heusden, displaying symbols that sparked altercations with individuals of Turkish origin," explained Alain Yzermans, mayor of Houthalen-Helchteren.
"This resulted in the physical assault of a Turkish individual. Subsequently, several confrontations erupted, spreading across the Houthalen and Heusden-Zolder areas," Yzermans added.
'Hate Messages Subject to Legal Action'
In Heusden-Zolder, a residence harboring individuals of Kurdish descent came under attack, while street riots broke out in various locations within the municipality.
To contain the situation, extensive police forces were deployed on Sunday, employing police helicopters and water cannons to separate the warring factions and restore order.
"All the injured parties have been discharged from the hospital," noted Yzermans. In the aftermath of the clashes, a task force will be established to analyze events, information, and social media messages further.
"If hate messages are identified, they will be investigated, including their source, and such investigations may result in legal action," stated Yzermans.
Kurdish Demonstration in Brussels
In the ensuing days and weeks, heightened police surveillance will be conducted near the targeted residence, schools, mosques, and during potentially volatile demonstrations.
Authorities will brief educational institutions on the situation and engage mosques in dialogue alongside the mayor. "If necessary, the crisis cell will remain on standby. We continue to advocate for dialogue and peace," affirmed Yzermans.
On Monday afternoon, the Kurdish freedom movement staged a demonstration at the European Parliament in Brussels in response to the Limburg riots. They condemned the clashes as "organized violence" perpetrated by the Turkish ultra-nationalist group Grey Wolves against the Kurdish community. Photo by I, Sonuwe, Wikimedia commons.