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June 24, 2013

Turkish Prime Minister Defends Police Crackdown on Protesters 
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In Turkey, police used water cannons and tear gas against thousands of
protesters who gathered in Istanbul's Taksim Square over the weekend to
remember those killed in earlier clashes. Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip
Erdogan defended the police actions before a crowd of his supporters.

Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan: "Yesterday, they once again attempted to
occupy the square. Police showed patience until some point. They made a
series of warnings, but when the crowd refused to leave, the police had
to disperse them."

Sunday's pro-government rally was the latest of several called by
Erdogan amid weeks of anti-government protests that began with
objections to the razing of an Istanbul park. Protests also continued in
the capital Ankara where police used water cannons and tear gas Saturday
night.

 

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