Police raid Kurdish memorial service in Hannover

Police in Hannover intervened to prevent a Kurdish memorial service held on Sunday, leading to a large-scale operation. The event was intended to honor individuals who lost their lives in conflicts involving the Kurdish freedom movement, including those who fought against the Islamic State.

The city of Hannover had previously issued a ban on the event, citing potential links to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). After the initial venue was prohibited, participants moved the gathering to the Democratic Kurdish Society Center. Police responded by surrounding the building and entering in combat gear.

According to Xoşnav Ata, co-chairman of the Association of Families of the Fallen (KOMAW), approximately 200 people were held within the police perimeter for several hours. During the operation, 96 participants had their identities recorded, and five individuals required medical attention. Authorities have initiated criminal proceedings regarding suspected violations of the Law on Associations.