From peaceful environmental protests to an all-out social movement for the resignation of authoritarian Prime Minister Tayyip Erdoğan, demonstrators in Turkey find themselves engaged in another day of nationwide rallies. Brutal, relentless attacks from police (against peaceful demonstrators), under the direction of Erdoğan, are driving people to mobilize and fight back against oppression, the decimation of human rights, and unprovoked violence. Around the world, eyes shift to the streets of Istanbul, Ankara, and locations across Turkey, as we stand in solidarity with the demonstrators.
Amnesty International has declared the situation as being in need of urgent action. Use Twitter hashtags #occupygezi and #direngeziparki when writing about the situation. Contact the Turkish Embassy in your country and voice your concerns. Finally, contact your Foreign Affairs Ministry or State Department and ask them to condemn the abuses in Turkey. This is real. This is happening. This is unacceptable.
Massive quantities of tear gas canisters rest on the streets after being fired at peaceful protesters. (Source: @57UN)
“this guy was shot by the police on the head. police attacked my uni with gas bomb while we were helping” (Source: @hexadelta)
“I am not a king. I am a prime minister elected by my nation’s votes. I am your servant, not your master.” The world is watching, Tayyip. Are you a man of your word? Will you hear our voices?”
“Thanks for making us feel like home, Tayyip. – Syrian Refugee”
“We are cleaning. We want to show that we are human.” (Source: @AChristieMiller)
Protesters spend the morning regrouping in preparation of the day’s events. (Source: @oemoral)
What appears to be expired tear gas was used in outrageous quantities on civilians. (Source: @ekizilkaya)
“People who have been brutally attacked are cleaning their own city.” (Source: @blenderella)
(Source: @berilbulat)
“Terrorists are collecting weapons in the park.” (Source: @Aycannecla)
Who is the terrorist, Mr. Tayyip?
People clean up the mess of tear gas canisters and rubble left by police. (Source: @frhter)
Taksim is everywhere. Resistance is everywhere.
Civilians are seen carrying a wounded protester out of the area.
“Municipality workers begin spraying over ‘Resign Tayyip’ graffiti on Istanbul’s Istiklal st Sunday am” (Source: @jonathonburch)
Protesters gather everywhere to make their voices heard.
Who is the terrorist, Tayyip? (Source: @melisektirici)
Taking care of the park. (Source: @sirindede2)
Turkish Soliders Helping Civilians
This is what Gezi Park looked like before the police forces attacked. (Source: @ytntr)
In case of an emergency, hug your buddy. (Source: @sofia_blk)
“Political parties try to own the grounds! We don’t need them, its the people’s power!” (Source: @sofia_blk)
Police in Ankara Beat a Man Walking Alone – Incredibly Violent:
A Group of Turkish Police Beat a Woman in the Street: