Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper): The Kurdish community in Ghent, led by Mayor Mathias De Clercq, got permission for a march about their safety in Syria. The city banned some flags for safety after past violence with Turkish nationalists. The Kurds disagree, feeling unfairly treated.
Last week, the Kurdish community and their supporters got permission from Mayor Mathias De Clercq to hold a march in the city. They are worried about the future of Kurds in northeastern Syria after the fall of the Assad regime. The city set some rules for the march, including a ban on certain Kurdish flags due to past issues with Turkish nationalist groups. The Kurdish community disagrees with this ban and feels the city is giving in to these groups. The city said the decision was made for safety reasons, as the flags could cause problems during the event.
How is Ghent Addressing Kurdish-Turkish Tensions Amid Recent Violence?
 In March, there were issues in Ghent during a Kurdish festival when flags were waved, upsetting some Turkish people. This led to a protest and damage to shops, with police making arrests and finding weapons. Community leaders tried to keep the peace, but some cafes were attacked. Because of this, Ghent has banned gatherings, and police are checking identities, but the Kurdish flag is still allowed.
The Kurdish community is upset, claiming Ghent is giving in to the Grey Wolves, a Turkish nationalist group. They want the city to protect them, as they feel threatened and unfairly treated. They argue that flags are allowed in Europe and Belgium, pointing out that the Belgian army has worked with Kurds against ISIS, while other flags are accepted without issues.
