Erdogan supporters set to protest in GERMANY as far-right demonstrates against Merkel
THOUSANDS of supporters of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan are set to rally in one of Germany’s largest cities today.
Anti-Merkel protest unfolding in Germany
The protest comes just days after Erdogan told the West to “mind your own business” and a mass demonstation against German chancellor Angela Merkel.
Authorities in Germany are on edge ahead of the planned protest in Cologne, an area home to a third of the three-million strong Turkish population in Germany.
Thousands are set to take to the streets in support of Turkish president Erdogan in Cologne
Up to 30,000 people are expected to take to the streets after pro-Erdogan group the Union of European-Turkish Democrats (UETD) called for their support.
Anti-Erdogan and far-right protests are also due to take place, prompting fears of violent clashes.
The Turkish head blasted Europe for criticising him for his post-coup crackdown, which has seen 60,000 people arrested.
Erdogan has arrested 60,000 since the failed coup attempt on July 15
Referring in particular to Austria and Germany, he said: “Our citizens want to hold meetings, go on marches but they stop them.
“They have even gone so far as to stop Turkish flags being flown from houses. These are the kind of democracies they are.”
In Berlin’s Kreuzberg district – dubbed “little Istanbul” – Turkish flags have reportedly been flying prominently since the failed coup.
Gokay Sofuoglu, the chairman of the Turkish community in Germany, called for “moderation” ahead of today’s protest.