Interior Ministry orders forces to warn before using tear gas

ANKARA - Anadolu Agency

DHA Photo

The Interior Ministry has sent a notice to governorships nationwide calling for police forces to warn protesters before resorting to the use of tear gas to disperse crowds, according to Anadolu Agency. 

Forces should also allow enough time for protesters wishing to distance themselves from the groups following the warning and use pressurized water before releasing tear gas, the notice said. 

Policemen were also encouraged to use a different kind of weapon that shoots capsules of paint and pepper spray before resorting to tear gas and ensure maximum measures to minimize the harm inflicted on bystanders and third parties. 

The notice also underlined that forces should restrain themselves from using tear gas after crowds have dispersed, and banned anyone other than assigned officers from using tear gas. 

Armored vehicles will also be deployed with policemen to facilitate mobility on the site, and an increase in capturing and detaining will also remove the need for the use of tear gas, according to the notice. Training sessions will also be more frequent if necessary, the notice added. 

The notice aimed to decrease the use of tear gas in societal events after heavy interventions in the Gezi movement, which have caused great backlash from the public.