AydinlikIn what has become a routine occurrence in Turkey, riot squad police attacked demonstrators, citizens and tourists alike in an attempt to suppress a protest against the recently-passed internet law.
Turkey continues sizzling with anti-government protests. The most striking in recent history began In June 2013 over plans to demolish the only remaining tree-filled area in Taksim, Istanbul. Nine months and several government scandals later, a similar feeling is in the air, this time over the internet censorship implemented by President Abdullah Gül on 18 February.
On the evening of 22 February, 2014, demonstrations were held once again in Taksim square, the crowd stretching out from the square to Şişhane metro station, which lies a half hour walk from the square.
Protesters gathered on İstiklal Caddesi (Avenue) at around 7 pm. They held up posters with slogans such as,
“Taksim is everywhere, Resistance is everywhere,”
“This is only the beginning, let the struggle continue,”
“Tayyip Erdoğan the Thief!”
Police trickled through the side-streets. There was no hesitance in firing plastic bullets, no matter whom they targeted. Protesters, passers by and reporters alike fell victim to the violence. An Ulusal Channel reporter, Özer Sürmeli, was hit by a plastic bullet. In Tarlabaşı, a gas bomb was fired into of a public bus. Images and reports of the police violence shared on social media spread like wildfire as the night, and the protest, went on.
This type of image, however, may not long be a fixture on social media; according to the internet law passed by Gül, the government would have the authority to block access to any site it deems inappropriate within four hours and without a court order.
Istanbul is not the only city that needs to worry about censorship and police brutality. Similar protests were held in Ankara, with crowds walking from Kuğulu Park to Güvenpark Park. On 13 February, an Ulusal Channel Reporter, Hüsna Sarı, nearly flew through the air when a water cannon exploded in her direction, thrusting her forward. Incidents such as this prove that the police do not care whom they attack, being in the scene of crime is crime enough. What makes the people of Ankara especially unfortunate is the fact that a 15-day state of unofficial martial law had been declared on 13 February, which means that the police/army can search you, stop you, arrest you with more ease than ever before. The justification: “to ensure national security and public peace, protect general health and general understanding of morality, as well as protecting citizens rights and liberties, and to prevent crimes, circulation of weapons or explosives that are banned from possessing or using, to detect weapons and explosives”.
http://www.aydinlikdaily.com/Istanbul-and-Ankara-Internet-Protests-Suppressed-2352