Turkish minister warns workers of ‘consequences of illegal strike’

ANKARA

Turkish Interior Minister Muammer Güler said the military had not been called to help end the ongoing street protests in Turkey. DHA photo

Workers joining a strike declared by several unions and organizations against the police violence during 20 days of protests will face consequences, the interior minister has said.

“I request public servants not participate in illegal actions,” Muammer Güler said while answering questions from journalists in Ankara today.

“Otherwise you will have to bear the consequences,” he said.

Five trade unions are set to begin today a nationwide demonstration campaign and have decided on a one-day strike following the harsh police intervention in Taksim the night of June 15.

The strike decision is illegal and no one has the right to disturb daily life with such protests, Güler said.

The police evacuated June 15 protesters who sought to prevent trees in Taksim Gezi Park from being cut down and the halt of a property development project there. The demonstration now has turned into a nationwide street action.
 
“It is hard to understand the insistence on continuing violent actions,” the minister said, calling for an end to protests, particularly in Ankara and Istanbul.