Istanbul's Gezi Park sealed off for second day in a row

ISTANBUL - Doğan News Agency

Police had also closed the park on Sept. 6 following a similar call for protest that circulated on social media websites. DHA photo

Police sealed off Istanbul's Gezi Park for a second day in a row on Sept. 7, after calls for protests in support of students at Ankara's Middle East Technical University (ODTÜ). The ODTÜ students are opposing a road project on campus that will lead to the destruction of nearly 3,000 trees.

Water cannon trucks (TOMAs) were dispatched to the Gezi Park's Taksim Square entrance, Doğan News Agency reported.

Police chased a group of protesters that had gathered in front of Galatasaray High School on İstiklal Avenue amid reports that many were detained.

The park was also closed by police on Sept. 6 to prevent a similar demonstration from taking place. Small groups of protesters had gathered on İstiklal Avenue, with police reportedly firing water cannons to disperse the crowd.

The demonstrations on the ODTÜ campus had lasted until beyond midnight, with police resorting once again to tear gas and water cannons against a group protesting against the destruction of part of the university's forested area.