Turkey has ‘no more tolerance’ for violent protest, Prime Minister Erdogan told the parliament. He was speaking as police used water cannons and tear gas to take over Taksim Square in Istanbul from anti-government activists.
Erdogan lashed out at the protesters as he was addressing MPs on
Tuesday. In his speech he separated the peaceful protesters
concerned with the development plans at Gezi Park from those in
Taksim Square, who he said are responsible for violent clashes
with police forces.
The prime minister blamed the Taksim protesters of injuring
security troops, damaging public property, disturbing public
order and damaging Turkey’s image among international investors.
Erdogan’s speech came hours after hundreds of police walked into Taksim Square just after dawn and
used tear gas and water cannons to fend of protesters attempting
to enter it. Police removed protest banners from buildings
overlooking the square. The prime minister hailed the move, which
he described as tearing down “rags”.
This article originally appeared on: RT