(2013-06-04) Protests In Turkey

Protests have been held in Turkey since 28 May 2013, dubbed the Turkish Spring (cf Arab Spring) by some Western media.[32][33] The initial Istanbul protests were led by about 50 environmentalists[34] against replacing Taksim Gezi Park with a reconstruction of the historic Taksim Military Barracks (demolished in 1940), with the possibility of housing a shopping mall.[35][36] The protests developed into riots when a group occupying the park was attacked, with tear gas and water cannons, by police. The subjects of the protests have since broadened beyond the development of Taksim Gezi Park, developing into wider anti-government demonstrations.[37] The protests have also spread to other cities in Turkey, and protests have been seen in other countries with significant Turkish communities.[38] Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan gave a number of speeches widely seen as inflammatory and dismissive of the protesters, and on 3 June left the country on a planned 3-day diplomatic tour of North African countries, a move that has been criticized as irresponsible by opposing political leaders. On 3 June unions announced strikes for 4 and 5 June.

Tarihinde Yay ��mlandı writes: They have no «hidden agenda» as the state likes to say. Their agenda is out there. It is very clear. The whole country is being sold to corporations by the government, for the construction of malls, luxury condominiums, freeways, dams and nuclear plants. The government is looking for (and creating when necessary) any excuse to attack Syria against Turkish people’s will. On top of all that, the government control over its people’s personal lives has become unbearable as of late. The state, under its conservative agenda passed many laws and regulations concerning abortion, cesarean birth, sale and use of alcohol and even the color of lipstick worn by the airline stewardesses.