The Turkish media and the BBC are carrying very misleading reports about the police violence tonight in Taksim. They do not show the massive peaceful rally that was attacked. The whole of the newly enlarged Taksim Square was full of people. It was a very big, very peaceful meeting. The photo shows the scene in Taksim shortly before the police attacked. No-one had a gas mask. No-one had a helmet. We had gone to Taksim simply to respect the memory of the four people killed in our struggle, to express our solidarity with the 5000 injured, two of whom are still fighting for life, and ten of whom have lost eyes. The atmosphere was calm but determined. "This is just a beginning - the struggle goes on" was one of the popular slogans. The air was full of carnations as people who could not reach Gezi Park to leave the flowers at the entrance simply threw them skywards. People brought with them the atmosphere and habits from the 5 nights of forums in over 40 parks across Istanbul. One sign was the adoption of the waving of hands to show approval, that is a feature of the forum meetings. We were ready to leave. Along with many others, I had left shortly before the attack. The police were determined that we could not have a peaceful commemoration. Even as the police advanced across the square, people were throwing only flowers at them. The media claim that the police are using "only" water cannon. They are using tear gas in the side streets. The struggle goes on. We will not be intimidated.
Posted on: Sun, 23 Jun 2013 09:56:34 +0000