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YPG/SDF supporters staged disruptive protests in multiple European cities, blocking public transportation, attacking police and government buildings and damaging public property in coordinated demonstrations across Germany, France and Belgium.
In Hamburg, YPG/SDF supporters sat on railroad tracks at Hamburg Central Train Station, disrupting intercity and local transportation.
Train services were canceled and delayed as a result of the blockade.
YPG/SDF supporters occupied the Munich headquarters of the Social Democratic Party, the coalition partner of Germany's ruling government. Social media footage showed supporters staging sit-ins and displaying flags and symbols representing the organization.
Stuttgart's police and prosecutor's office announced that two people were attacked during a YPG/SDF demonstration on Jan. 21, prompting an investigation.
The demonstration involving a large group of supporters resulted in a confrontation with two passing youths. During the incident, supporters with sharp objects wounded a 23-year-old and beat a 20-year-old, according to the joint police and prosecutor statement.
The wounded person was hospitalized following first aid treatment. The attacking group fled the scene. Police and state security units launched an investigation.
In Marseille, France, YPG/SDF supporters staged a demonstration on Canebiere Avenue in the city center that escalated into serious rioting. Protesters damaged traffic lights, shattered windows at tram stations and nearby businesses, and attacked a police station.
Social media footage showed trash containers set on fire.
Bouches-du-Rhone Prefect Jacques Witkowski condemned the violence, noting that protesters targeted security forces with fireworks and other objects.
Marseille Mayor Benoit Payan stated on social media: "No cause can justify attacks against people or property."
In Brussels, Belgium, police deployed tear gas and water cannons against YPG/SDF supporters who staged a disruptive demonstration outside the European Parliament building in the morning.
Supporters carrying organization symbols chanted pro-organization slogans before rioting broke out. Police responded with crowd control measures.
The group then marched to Schuman Square, where the European Council building is located ahead of an EU summit scheduled for the following day. The group, followed by police, gathered briefly outside the EU External Relations building, chanted slogans and dispersed.
Authorities deployed helicopters, riot control vehicles and numerous police units in response to the demonstrations.
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