Turkish police have used brutal force against anti-government protesters in Istanbul as the supporters of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan gathered in the city.
On Sunday, Turkish riot police once again fired smoke canisters and used pepper spray and water cannons to disperse crowds of protesters trying to converge on Istanbul’s Taksim Square.
This comes while the protesters are preparing for more demonstrations as the supporters of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan are gathering in Istanbul.
Erdogan once again addressed his supporters, a day after a similar rally was held in Ankara.
The Turkish premier said on Sunday in Istanbul that it was his “duty” to order riot police to evict protesters staying at Istanbul’s Gezi Park.
On Saturday night, Turkish police attacked anti-government protesters at Taksim, shortly after Erdogan ordered the demonstrators to evacuate the area.
Å“I say this very clearly: either Taksim Square is cleared, or if it isnâ„¢t cleared, then the security forces of this country will know how to clear it,” the Turkish prime minister said in a speech to his supporters in the Ankara suburb of Sincan.
A number of protesters were also reportedly arrested in the crackdown.
The unrest in Turkey erupted after police broke up a sit-in staged at Taksim Square on May 31 to protest against a government plan for the redevelopment of Gezi Park.
The Turkish prime minister has faced international condemnation for his handling of the crisis. Turkish police have also been strongly criticized for using excessive force against the peaceful protests.
Five people, including a police officer, have reportedly died in the clashes and more than 5,000 protesters and 600 police officers have been wounded.
SZH/PR/SS
This article originally appeared on: Press TV