Cars vandalised with ‘PKK’ graffiti in Sydney’s east
Up to a dozen cars, unit blocks and even a restaurant were vandalised with anti-Israel graffiti in Sydney’s east, with one key phrase repeated. Here’s what we know about the three letters.
NSW
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Up to a dozen cars were vandalised with anti-Israel graffiti in Sydney’s eastern suburb of Woollahra, with phrases such as “F*** ISRAEL” and “PKK C” spray-painted on vehicles. One car was set alight near the Turkish consulate on Ocean Street, drawing condemnation from politicians and community leaders as an escalation of anti-Semitic behaviour in the city.
Kurdish community leaders have distanced themselves from the incident, with Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-CEO Alex Ryvchin stating they were “aghast and appalled” by the graffiti and stood “in solidarity with the Jewish community.”
Investigations into the matter remain ongoing.
WHAT IS THE PKK?
The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), founded in 1978 by Abdullah Öcalan, began as a communist group seeking an independent Kurdish state but now advocates for Kurdish autonomy within Turkey.
Although Öcalan remains a symbolic leader from prison, day-to-day operations are led by Murat Karayılan and other senior members, with around 4,000-5,000 militants primarily based in northern Iraq.
The PKK funds its activities through drug trafficking, extortion, human trafficking, and diaspora contributions, with a significant presence in Europe and the Middle East.
VIOLENT PAST
The PKK has been designated as a terrorist organisation by countries including Turkey, the US, and Australia.
It has carried out numerous attacks, including armed assaults, bombings, kidnappings, and vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) attacks.
While most operations target Turkish military forces, some have resulted in mass-casualty incidents affecting civilians and tourists.
WHAT NOW?
Authorities have not confirmed whether the PKK graffiti in Woollahra is linked to Kurdish political activism or other motives.
However, the incident has heightened concerns over escalating anti-Semitic and politically motivated attacks in Sydney.
Investigations continue.
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