Kurdish protesters demanding action in Rojava march through Norwich

Dozens of Kurdish protesters gathered in Norwich to demand an end to attacks in Rojava, the Kurdish-led autonomous region in north-east Syria.

Kurdish communities and solidarity activists have been holding a series of peaceful demonstrations across the UK after reports of intensifying violence in Kurdish neighourhoods in Aleppo, Raqqa and Hasakah.

The group marched through the centre of Norwich and gathered to demonstrate and make speeches at Haymarket.

One protester set a picture of a Syrian flag alight and stamped it into the ground.

Rojava is known for its role in the fight against the so-called Islamic State and its system of local self-governance.

Organisers of the protests say those gains are now under serious threat and are urging international action.

One of the protesters in Norwich said in a speech: "The international coalition did nothing. Their forces were left alone, but many Kurdish fighters were killed or wounded in trying to stop Isis.

"Let's be clear, Isis will come back to our cities if we do not stand with the Kurdish people.

"Once again, the Kurdish communities are under attack and once again, we are left to fight them alone. This is not a military issue, it is a political choice."

Norfolk Police said officers were aware of the protest, and that it passed peacefully, with no arrests or road closures necessary.The UK Government has been approached for comment.

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