Protests Gain Momentum In Turkey

Protests Gain Momentum In Turkey

Protests against Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government have gained momentum in several cities this Tuesday after a 22 year old protester was killed during a march.

Some of the biggest cities in Turkey like Istanbul, Hatay and the capital Ankara have all seen an increase in protests that could spell trouble for Erdogan’s government. Hatay, the small southern city where they the 22 year old demonstrator died was filled with angry protesters and police forces that fired tear gas in an attempt to control the situation.

Ahmet Atakan was said to have died by falling off a roof, a story that both police and local government representatives seem to agree on. However several protesters as well as the opposition and a large part of the media seem to suggest that the young man died after being hit with a tear gas can in the head. An investigation is said to be under way where autopsy reports and security camera footage will be inspected.

After protests started early this summer in an effort to protect Gezi Park in Istanbul, they have gained momentum and engulfed the entire country in an unprecedented wave of anti-government movements.

During the months of protests thousands were arrested, countless others hurt by Turkish police forces and 5 people killed 4 of which were young men and women.

Posted by James Fried on Wednesday September 11 2013, 2:42 AM EST. Ref: wsj. Link. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, World. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0