World celebrities join in against police violence in Turkey

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

Iconic actress Tilda Swinton also joined in, with a photo of the actress making the viral rounds, showing Swinton holding a sign that reads, “Dear citizens of the world, right now, police is violently attacking citizens that are protesting the government in Istanbul.”

World-known celebrities all voiced concern and opposition to the ongoing police violence in Turkey with the likes of Madonna and Tilda Swinton showing support for the protesters.

A long list of celebrity supporters took it to Twitter over the past few days in response to the ongoing social media campaigns aiming to draw global attention to the events of Gezi Park protests.

Soon after the events erupted, Madonna shared a picture on her personal Instagram account, with the caption, “Stop the Violence in Turkey! Start a Revolution of LOVE! Tolerance=Human Dignity and Respect!”

U.S. actor Mark Ruffalo was one of the first famous supporters of the movement, retweeting information from Turkish protesters and international organizations, including Occupy movements around the world that have been focused on the ongoing clashes in Turkey.

“Be safe and strong! Something tremendous is happening in Turkey,” was the latest show of support from the American actor.

Iconic actress Tilda Swinton also joined in, with a photo of the actress making the viral rounds, showing Swinton holding a sign that reads, “Dear citizens of the world, right now, police is violently attacking citizens that are protesting the government in Istanbul.”

British comedian Russel Brand also took it to Twitter to speak on the issue, with his final tweet reading, “Our leaders are trusted servants, not our masters.”

American actor Joseph Gordon-Lewitt chipped in with a series of tweets from media links and personal retweets, where American film-producer, director and screenwriter Judd Apatow joined in with a emotional, “I am with you. I am a quarter Turkish.”

Legendary Roger Waters released a moving statement on June 2 on his official Facebook page, stating, “There is nothing more important than what you are doing today,” written all in capitals.

“We are not physically with you in the water cannon’s fire, in the tear gas clouds, but we are with you in spirit. We applaud your stand for we know it is not easy,” Waters said, sending his “love, tears and huge respect” to the Turkish protesters.

American actor Rainn Wilson also showed support for the crowds by directing his followers to a social media page that hosts hundreds of photos from the ongoing protests.

Musician Moby also tweeted, “I really hope that Erdoğan and the AKP are paying attention. Turkey is a democracy, not a theocracy.”

Writer Etgar Keret also commented on the ongoing events, saying, "I'm following what's happening in Istanbul. It is both depressing and inspiring. It takes great courage to go out to the streets when the Police and leadership i so brutal and the fact that young people are willing to risk it to express their thoughts and criticism of a regime that seems to disregard them and some basic value of freedom and the freedom of speech is admirable."