00:40Turkey: Lone standing man sparks new type of protest on Taksim Square
Turkey: Lone standing man sparks new type of protest on Taksim Square
One man’s silent protest for the right to protest in Turkey has triggered a wave of similar demonstrations across the country.
Performance artist Erdem Gunduz started the passive protest on Monday, standing still for eight hours facing the Ataturk Cultural Centre, in a silent vigil against police actions in removing protesters.
He was joined Tuesday by hundreds of other protesters across Turkey and in Taksim Square, the scene of recent violent clashes between police and anti-government activists.
Police have restricted access to Istanbul city centre in the wake of massive protests, with the city centre being evacuated over the weekend to prevent the occupation of Gezi Park. Government plans to replace Gezi Park with a massive shopping mall sparked the ongoing protests. The park is located next to Taksim Square.
Protester Metin Kalem said he is taking part to show his opposition to the latest police crackdown against protesters, who are calling for more freedom and democracy.
"We are protesting for more freedom, more democracy. We are demonstrating here for the unity of the people, nature and peace," he said.
Anti-government protests have shown no sign of abating throughout Turkey, where many continue to show their opposition to the rule of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
00:40Turkey: Lone standing man sparks new type of protest on Taksim Square
One man’s silent protest for the right to protest in Turkey has triggered a wave of similar demonstrations across the country.
Performance artist Erdem Gunduz started the passive protest on Monday, standing still for eight hours facing the Ataturk Cultural Centre, in a silent vigil against police actions in removing protesters.
He was joined Tuesday by hundreds of other protesters across Turkey and in Taksim Square, the scene of recent violent clashes between police and anti-government activists.
Police have restricted access to Istanbul city centre in the wake of massive protests, with the city centre being evacuated over the weekend to prevent the occupation of Gezi Park. Government plans to replace Gezi Park with a massive shopping mall sparked the ongoing protests. The park is located next to Taksim Square.
Protester Metin Kalem said he is taking part to show his opposition to the latest police crackdown against protesters, who are calling for more freedom and democracy.
"We are protesting for more freedom, more democracy. We are demonstrating here for the unity of the people, nature and peace," he said.
Anti-government protests have shown no sign of abating throughout Turkey, where many continue to show their opposition to the rule of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.