Turkish riot police fire tear gas at demonstrators, injuring dozens
Source: AFP |
June 1, 2013, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
TURKISH riot police fired tear gas at hundreds of demonstrators yesterday, injuring dozens in a bid to break up a four-day protest against a major construction project in Istanbul's iconic Taksim Square.
Several of the injured were left lying on the ground unconscious after police used tear gas and pepper spray on them, while two people were hospitalized with injuries to the head.
Two protestors suffered broken arms and several others had minor bone fractures when a scaffolding collapsed as they tried to escape the police intervention on the square.
In skirmishes with the police, some of the protestors shouted: "You are killing us," and hurled rocks at the security forces.
The gas infiltrated the subway and through the windows of passing cars, as ambulances arrived to carry away those affected, including two activist lawmakers.
"They are spraying anybody like it is pesticide," tweeted one protestor using the handle @blogcuanne. "Kids, babies, the old, tourists, nobody matters."
Construction began in November to pedestrianize the zone surrounding the square, a traditional gathering point for rallies and protests as well as a popular tourist destination.
The controversial project is aimed at easing the chronic congestion in the roads around the square as well as giving the site a face-lift.
Critics say the scheme will turn the square into a soulless, concrete commercial zone while driving away residents.
Thousands have voiced their support for the protestors on social media in recent days, while Amnesty International issued a statement on Thursday condemning use of "excessive force against peaceful protestors."
Reporters Without Borders urged Turkish authorities yesterday to contain the harsh police action against the protestors and claimed journalists were falling victim to "targeted attacks."
Demonstrators have been trying to prevent workers from razing Taksim Excursion Park, which is across from the Ataturk monument. In place of the park, a shopping mall is to be built.
Several of the injured were left lying on the ground unconscious after police used tear gas and pepper spray on them, while two people were hospitalized with injuries to the head.
Two protestors suffered broken arms and several others had minor bone fractures when a scaffolding collapsed as they tried to escape the police intervention on the square.
In skirmishes with the police, some of the protestors shouted: "You are killing us," and hurled rocks at the security forces.
The gas infiltrated the subway and through the windows of passing cars, as ambulances arrived to carry away those affected, including two activist lawmakers.
"They are spraying anybody like it is pesticide," tweeted one protestor using the handle @blogcuanne. "Kids, babies, the old, tourists, nobody matters."
Construction began in November to pedestrianize the zone surrounding the square, a traditional gathering point for rallies and protests as well as a popular tourist destination.
The controversial project is aimed at easing the chronic congestion in the roads around the square as well as giving the site a face-lift.
Critics say the scheme will turn the square into a soulless, concrete commercial zone while driving away residents.
Thousands have voiced their support for the protestors on social media in recent days, while Amnesty International issued a statement on Thursday condemning use of "excessive force against peaceful protestors."
Reporters Without Borders urged Turkish authorities yesterday to contain the harsh police action against the protestors and claimed journalists were falling victim to "targeted attacks."
Demonstrators have been trying to prevent workers from razing Taksim Excursion Park, which is across from the Ataturk monument. In place of the park, a shopping mall is to be built.
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