Tension rises at anti-education bill rally in Ankara

ANKARA - Hürriyet

KESK members in Şanlıurfa province were prevented from reaching Ankara. DHA Photo

In anticipation of a rally organized by the Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (KESK) today in protest of the new education reform bill, police stopped some buses outside Ankara this morning, but they were later allowed to enter the city, daily Hürriyet reported
 
The police first tried to prevent demonstrators from reaching the location of the rally, but changed policies when tension began to rise. The buses were then allowed to pass.
 
Protesters then gathered in Ankara's Kızılay, blocking the city's busiest street. The group was denied the right to march, and was told to disband. If the demonstrators continue to insist on marching, police forces will "interfere by force," officials said.
 
KESK head Lami Özgen said that the organization had requested an official permit for a joint protest with two other groups at Güvenpark, but officials denied the permit. "We only wish to use our democratic right," Özgen said. "We will not stay in Güvenpark, but we want to read our press statement there."
 
Republican People's Party (CHP) member İsa Gök is acting as a mediator between police and protesters, daily Hürriyet reported.