Monday, June 3, 2013

Thousands return to Taksim Square as Turkish PM dubs protesters ‘marauders’ (PHOTOS)


Previous updates here


Published time: June 02, 2013 15:57
Edited time: June 02, 2013 16:36
Thousands of protesters have flocked back to Istanbul’s Taksim Square after voluntarily cleaning up the aftermath of clashes and vandalism. Turkish PM Erdogan meanwhile stressed he will not give in to pressure, calling the protesters “marauders.”
Thousands of people are heading to Taksim Square from all directions, joining the already tens-of-thousands-strong crowd with flags and banners. Chanting and singing in unison can be heard, with slogans like “This is our Taksim, this is our Istanbul!” ringing in the air. 
The demonstration marks the third day of the protests in Turkey, which started as a peaceful sit-in against the re-development plans in Gezi Park, but turned into nationwide riots after the police brutally cracked down on protesters.
While the mass protests were marred by violent clashes with the police, in which two people were reportedly killed and over 1,000 injured, as well as scenes of vandalism with cars turned over and buildings and vehicles covered in graffiti, there was some marked display of public support for the protesters and that of collective responsibility too.
Those demonstrators who remained in the streets overnight, after the police had backed down and allowed the protests to continue, had cleaned Gezi Park and the surrounding areas piled with empty teargas canisters and rubble.

No comments:

Post a Comment