Istanbul, May Day violence in Taksim Square
Istanbul (AsiaNews) - The May Day celebrations in Turkey were characterized by
severe episodes of violence, with the epicenter in Taksim Square now a symbol
of protest against the arrogance and the excessive power of Prime Minister
Erdogan and his party.
The clashes began when thousands of protesters tried to head towards the square,
defying the ban announced by the Prime Minister in his usual month's end
address on the state of the nation. Speaking to the population, Erdogan "invited"
Turkish citizens not to demonstrate.
In the same speech, the prime minister again lashed out "against those who
want to undermine the sacred values of this country, be they religious or
social. These people will be called to account for their actions: they are
nothing but a tool in the hands of bigger powers".
Erdogan was referring to Fethullah Gulen , an Islamic scholar and one-time ally
of Erdogan. He is now considered the mastermind of the scandals that targeted
numerous government officials, including the prime minister himself. Days ago Turkey
called for his
extradition from the United States, to force him to return home where
he will likely face a trial.
The clashes yesterday began after unions sought to commemorate the victims of
May 1, 1977, the 34 civilians killed while celebrating Labor Day in Taksim
Square. But now the square is synonymous with protests against the arrogance of
Erdogan, who responded by mobilizing the police.
Approximately 40 thousand police and security force personnel blocked access to
the square, while public transport was paralyzed blocking millions of people. The authorities also closed the roads,
suspended ferry services on the Bosphorus and posted soldiers and police to
monitor subway stations. Everything possible was done to prevent the movement
of the mass of protesters.
The first episodes of violence erupted when protesters - formed by the
historical confederations of workers and other left wing groups - tried to
reach the square from the Sisli district, home to the union's headquarters. The
police intervened violently using tear gas, water pumps and rubber bullets to
disperse the protesters. In turn the protesters responded by throwing stones at
least 142 people were arrested and 90 others were injured .
Only the union Türk - Is ( or the Confederation of Labor , which is historically
identified with state policies), was allowed to lay a wreath of flowers in
Taksim Square. The same union had organized another rally in a square in
Kantiköy, ancient Chalcedon, on the Asian side of Istanbul, with government permission.
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30/04/2009
