In a very strange case that is sure to increase diplomatic tensions, an alleged PKK member, Ali Riza Altun wanted by Turkish authorities, Interpol and France was recently released by Austrian authorities and allowed to board a flight to Arbil in Northern Iraq. The Turkish authorities claim that Altun is major figure in the PKK operating in Europe and responsible for finances. He has lived in France since 2000, and the Austrians claim that France granted him some form of political asylum under the belief he would be persecuted if he returned to Turkey.
Altun’s legal status in France seems a little unclear, but French authorities arrested him as part of a money laundering investigation, as well as thirteen other suspected PKK members in a crackdown on the group’s activities in February 2007.
Surprising French prosecutors, he along with several other defendants were released from jail pending trial and told not to leave the Paris area. Altun and several co-defendents did not heed the order and Austrian authorities later arrested him for traveling on a false identity.
However, in a move that stunned both the Turkish and French governments, Austrian authorities released Altun claiming in part that his asylum status played into the decision. Critics point out that with the Interpol notice and that fact that Altun was also listed on the Schengen information system, it would have been very difficult for Austrian authorities to miss his wanted status.
French authorities claim that they were not even made aware of Altun’s detainment until one day before his departure and that they did not have time to mobilize their legal and law enforcement mechanisms to retrieve him. The French Justice Ministry has now issued an international arrest warrant for Altun, and it is believed they will be demanding official answers from Austrian authorities on their actions.
However, it is the Turkish government that is angry over the Austria’s conduct in this matter. Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul summoned the Austrian ambassador to present a formal protest note over the incident. Although the Turkish government has demanded answers, many in Turkey believe that this incident is an example of a European double standard on terrorism.
Frustration with the EU over the PKK
Turkey’s distrust of Europe regarding the PKK has been longstanding despite recent terrorism crackdowns in Europe. For a long period of time, the PKK enjoyed some sympathy in Europe as it successfully portrayed itself as a separatist group fighting for Kurdish rights that was persecuted by the Turkish state. The case that most galled Turkey was the refusal of Italy to extradite Abdullah Ocalan, the leader of the PKK and Turkey’s most wanted man.
During this time, Europe became a major hub for PKK fundraising, propaganda, and recruitment efforts. Critics claim some European countries just wanted to avoid confrontation and therefore ignored the PKK’s activities. With the changing attitudes from the threat of global terrorist organizations there has been some shift in viewin the last few years, but not enough for the Turkish government. The EU now classifies the PKK as a terrorist organization. However, Turkish authorities believe that the PKK is still operating in Europe. Cultural Kurdish programming has been a subject of dispute. Both the United Kingdom and France have closed down Kurdish television programming believed to advocate PKK propaganda. However, relations between Turkey and Denmark became strained when Denmark refused to close down the Kurdish Roj television station. Although Turkey welcomed public statements regarding a European crackdown on the PKK, they are skeptical if things will really change, specifically the prospect that those detained who are suspected of PKK membership or PKK related activities would ever be extradited to Turkey.
It is believed that US pressure has also resulted in some recent activities. Both France and Belgium recently conducted operations against suspected PKK members. Germany and the Netherlands were to follow. Yet, one of the fruits of the French operation, Ali Riza Altun has now become a lightening rod for issue of the ultimate extradition of PKK members to Turkey.
The PKK, the US, and Iraq
The Turkish government also has some issues with how helpful other countries are with the PKK. Because the resurgent PKK has staged attacks in Turkey from across the border in northern Iraq, Turkey has requested that the Iraqi government and US forces “fix” the problem in this region. However, the US has been reluctant to disrupt the inhabitants of this region in northern Iraq in order not to complicate ongoing war efforts. The Turkish government claims they have provided a list of 150 most wanted PKK members in northern Iraq, but thus far no arrests or extraditions have been made.
Recently, US weapons were found in the hands of PKK guerillas, which were initially given to the Iraqi Army. The US has pledged to investigate, but this case is not likely to instill confidence in the Iraqi government. The Turkish government believes that the US has not done enough to influence Iraqi politicians. There have been some heated exchanges between the Iraqi and Turkish governments. As a result, Turkish troops are amassed on the border between Turkey and Iraq signaling its frustration with the issue. The US does continue to state its willingness to work with Turkey on the PKK problem.
Outlook
There is certainly more cooperation with Turkey today by other countries against the PKK. Turkey’s improved human rights records, and the realization that terrorism is a global problem have chipped away at some of the intransigence of other countries on this issue. Yet, to the Turkish government a double standard does exist. The Altun case may just be about one man, but it symbolizes a definitive lack of cooperation to Turkey. At some point, Turkey may decide that unilateral action is necessary as part of their counter-terrorism policies.
