2013 protests in Turkey
Protests have been held in Turkey since 28 May 2013, dubbed the Turkish Spring by some media.[39][40] The initial protests in Istanbul were led by about 50 environmentalists,[41] opposing the replacement of Taksim Gezi Park with a reconstruction of the historic Taksim Military Barracks (demolished in 1940) possibly housing a shopping mall.[42][43] The protests developed into riots when a group occupying the park was attacked with tear gas and water cannons by police.[44] The subjects of the protests have since broadened beyond the development of Taksim Gezi Park into wider anti-government demonstrations.[45][46] The protests have also spread to other cities in Turkey, and protests have been seen in other countries with significant Turkish communities, including the European countries, the U.S. and the far-east Asia.[47][citation needed] Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan gave a number of speeches widely seen as inflammatory and dismissive of the protesters, and on 3 June left the country on a planned 3-day diplomatic tour of North African countries, a move that was criticized as irresponsible by opposing political leaders. On 3 June unions announced strikes for 4 and 5 June.[48]
Protesters took to Taksim Square in Istanbul and to streets in Ankara[1] as well as Bursa, Antalya, Eskişehir, İzmir, Edirne, Mersin, Adana, İzmit, Konya, Kayseri, Samsun, Antakya,[49] Trabzon, Isparta,[27] Tekirdağ, Bodrum,[50] and Mardin.[51] Some of the protesters have styled themselves with the hashtag #OccupyGezi.[52]
The range of the protesters was noted as being broad, encompassing both right- and left-wing individuals.[50][53] The protesters' complaints ranged from the original local environmental concerns to such issues as the alleged authoritarianism of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan,[54][55] curbs on alcohol,[56] a recent row about kissing in public,[50] and the war in Syria.[50] Istanbul mayor Kadir Topbaş stated that the environmental campaign had been manipulated by "political agendas".[57][58] According to various news outlets, the clashes are one of the most challenging events for Prime Minister Erdoğan's ten-year term.[59][60][61]
On 31 May 2013, police suppressed the protesters with tear gas, arrested at least 60 people and injured hundreds.[47][62] The police action received wide attention online.[52][63] Protesters organized and gathered on İstiklal Avenue, reaching thousands on the night of 31 May.[47][64] According to government sources, more than 1700 people have been taken into custody, with more than 200 demonstrations in 67 provinces, including Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Antalya, Konya, Eskişehir.[65] The helmet numbers of the policemen which are the only way to detain ones used excessive force against protesters were hidden either by markers or a plastic bottle wrapping to avoid further investigation.[66][67]
On 4 June, Deputy Prime Minister Bülent Arınç, acting on behalf of Erdoğan, who was on an overseas trip, apologized to protesters for "excessive violence" used by the police in the beginning of the riots, but said he would not apologize for the police violence that came after.[68][69] On 6 June, PM Erdoğan said the redevelopment plans would go ahead despite the protests.[70]
More info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_Taksi ... k_protestsPictures:
http://occupygezipics.tumblr.com/Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/user/GeziParkiDiren/videosPictures & Videos of ultras groups in protests:
http://z6.invisionfree.com/UltrasTifosi ... ry22146283

