18 Oct 2019 | 06:09 PM UTC
Hungary: Demonstration planned in Budapest October 19
Demonstration denouncing Turkish military operation in Syria to be held in Budapest on October 19; heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions expected
Event
Activist groups have called for a demonstration to take place in Budapest on Saturday, October 19, to denounce the the Turkish military offensive in northeastern Syria. Participants are expected to gather at Akácfa utca No. 13 at 13:00 (local time) and march to Blaha Lujza tér. The demonstration is scheduled to end at approximately 17:00.
A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are to be expected near the protest site.
Context
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced on October 5 that Turkey will launch a military operation in northeastern Syria in an attempt to expel Syrian Kurdish (People's Protection Units; YPG) forces from the Turkish border. Erdoğan stated that the air and ground operations will extend 30 km (19 mi) into Syria's northeastern border. Turkey considers the YPG to be a terrorist organization linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) group in Turkey.
Advice
Individuals in Budapest are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations, anticipate a heightened security presence and transportation disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
