Police intervene again in Ankara after withdrawing from Kızılay

ANKARA

Anti-government protesters take part in a protest in central Ankara June 11. REUTERS photo

Riot police intervened against protesters in Ankara for a fourth consecutive day with tear gas and water cannon after thousands had gathered at Kızılay Square in the city’s center.

After asking the protesters to disperse, police retreated from the square and let the demonstration continue. Thousands of people were also gathered at Kuğulu Park.

Although the night seemed set to end without any clashes, police used tear gas and water cannon at around 12:20 a.m. to attack protesters that were gathered at the intersection of Kennedy Avenue and Atatürk Avenue, which is in the middle point of the two gathering places and stands very close to the U.S. embassy.

The protests in Ankara were subjected to a heavy police crackdown last week. Police had said it would not allow any protests near Kızılay for security reasons and consequently intervened during the last four nights.