Turkish police clashed today with protesters around Constantinople’s central Taksim Square, gathering to honor the anniversary of the nationwide anti -government demonstrations that began nine years ago in the nearby Gezi Park.
The 2013 protests were the biggest popular challenge to the rule of then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Erdogan, who is now president, has equated protesters with Kurdish fighters and those accused of orchestrating a 2016 coup attempt.
Turkey: 9th anniversary of the Gezi Park revolt. The police block the passage of the cortege. All of Gezi’s souvenirs are a nightmare for the regime.
Via Zeynep Kuray@zeynokuray pic.twitter.com/wbgguuo3ql– Bahar Kimyongur (@Percligia) May 31, 2022
A Turkish court has sentenced eight people, including the philanthropist Kavala, to prison last month, finding them guilty of organizing and financing the so-called “Gezi movement” in 2013.
The convicts denied the allegations, arguing that anti-government protests broke out spontaneously at the national level and were protected by constitutional rights.
About 1,000 people gathered on a street near Taksim Square this afternoon, holding photos of those sentenced to prison.
Taksim Gezi Parkı’nda Anma Yapmak Issyenlere Saldıran Polis çok Sayıda Kişiyi Gözaltına Aldı. https://t.co/Z4tpqCgfg5 pic.twitter.com/3DAnIgXMlf
– duvaR (@gazeteduvar) May 31, 2022
They also held photos of those who died when police intervened in 2013, as well as a banner reading “Darkness will go away, Gezi will stay.”
Crowds were stopped by police carrying shields as they attempted to march on Taksim Square and central Istiklar Avenue. Law enforcement also used tear gas to disperse the crowds.
“Erdogan will leave. There is no other way,” the protesters shouted.
Earlier, smaller groups of people clashed with police in other areas near Taksim as they tried to walk towards the square.
An eyewitness to Reuters saw police arresting dozens of people. Istanbul police did not immediately comment on the number of detainees.
Police, TMMOB is continuing the investigation. Dışarda Işkence Ile Gözaltına Alan Polis, Gaz Saldırısından dolayı Tmmob binasına giren Kitleyi de binada sıkıştırmış durumda.#GeziWe will not allow this fascist blockade!# Gezi9yasinda #GeziyiSavunuyoruz pic.twitter.com/w8G9OXGZeN
– SGDF (@sgdf_iletisim) May 31, 2022
Earlier in the day, members of the Turkish Workers’ Party (TIP) parliament hung a giant banner on one of the bridges in the Bosphorus.
After a clash, the police lowered the banner that read “everywhere Taksim, everywhere resistance” – a popular slogan at 2013 demonstrations.
Ankara’s Western allies, human rights groups and the European Court of Human Rights say last month’s ruling and the imprisonment were politically motivated and aimed at intimidating Erdogan’s opponents.
Critics say the verdict was aimed at criminalizing the Gezi movement and creating the perception that the protesters were funded by foreign powers.
Source: Capital
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
