Turkish police starts crackdown against protestors in Istanbul

ISTANBUL – Doğan News Agency

Doğan News Agency photo.

Police forces have started a tough intervention in demonstrations in Istanbul’s Şişli district and İstiklal Avenue this evening, using tear gas and water canons to disperse the gathered crowd.

The police started the crackdown in Şişli’s Osmanbey neighborhood after a group of protesters attempted to make their way to Taksim Square, which has been forbidden to pedestrians following an order from the Istanbul governor.

The Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions’ (DİSK) decision to end their march led to a number of groups to leave the streets, however some other groups continued their protests.

Five trade unions today began today a nationwide demonstration campaign and one-day strike following the harsh police intervention in Taksim the night of June 15.