International Federation for Human Rights calls for the suspension of tear gas sales to Turkey

GENEVA - Doğan News Agency

Police are surrounded by tear gas during protests in Ankara's Kizilay Square, June 16. REUTERS photo

The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) has called on the international community to suspend the sale of tear gas to Turkey, after the police's brutal crackdowns on recent demonstrations.

"Many injuries to the head or to the body reflect the inappropriate use of tear gas or plastic bullets, in violation of international law, notably U.N. principles on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials," the FIDH said in a statement June 18.

It also added that the police used tear gas repeatedly in closed spaces, such as at the Divan, Ramada and Hilton hotels, which served as shelters and infirmaries for injured protesters. Many protesters were injured by such inappropriate use of tear gas, the federation added.

The FIDH also expressed concern about police impunity for acts of violence against protesters, urging the establishment of an independent and impartial commission to investigate the repression of these protests. The organization called for the suspension of tear gas supplies to Turkey "until investigations have been made as regards to their improper use and until the perpetrators of such improper use are held accountable."

A total of 130,000 canisters of tear gas have reportedly been used over 20 days of protests that started in Istanbul and spread to 77 provinces of the country. According to daily Milliyet, the Turkish National Police will hold an unplanned tender for 100,000 new gas bomb canisters and 60 water cannon vehicles.