European campaign for cutting off Erdogan’s arms

Nahla Abdelmonem

The latest wave of violence in some European states has opened the door for anger in the same states against charities and organizations affiliated to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

These entities were either involved in hostile activities or stoked tensions in European states.

The Turkish ultranationalist Grey Wolves group is Erdogan’s influential arm in Europe. The group was founded in the 1960s. It targets Erogan’s opponents in other countries. It is accused of fighting the Kurds in some European countries.

Ban demands

Political parties in Poland called for banning the Grey Wolves group after 147 MPs had voted for the move. A new round of voting on the issue would take place soon before a request is submitted to the government to carry out the decision of the parliament.

Polish political parties said the group spreads violence and hate among Polish citizens. They added that the group also serves the interests of entities hostile to European policies.

Germany

There are demands for banning the same group in Germany as well. A majority of the members of the German parliament voted for considering a ban against the group. The parliament members accused the Grey Wolves of racism. The group, they said, poses dangers to democracy.

The German army is, meanwhile, investigating four attacks by the group on its troops.

French ban

France banned the Grey Wolves this month after accusing it of threatening its security and the safety of its citizens.

The Grey Wolves jeopardizes French security by targeting opponents of the current government in Turkey, the French government said.

The French decision made Turkey angry. Erdogan said he does not approve what he described as “hostile” measures against the group.