EU official slams Turkey police crackdown on protesters
Iran Press TV
Fri Jun 7, 2013 4:8PM GMT
A senior European Union official has criticized the excessive use of police force against anti-government protesters in Turkey, calling for an investigation into the violence.
Stefan Fule, the EU enlargement commissioner, made the remarks at a conference in Istanbul on Friday ahead of talks over Ankara's hope to join the EU.
"The duty of all of us, European Union members as much as those countries that wish to become one, is to aspire to the highest possible democratic standards and practices," Fule said.
Anti-government demonstrations have been held in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Mugla, Antalya, and many other cities and towns since May 31. Protesters call for the resignation of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
According to Turkish reports, at least four people, including a policeman, have been confirmed dead during the protests so far.
The EU official said that the bloc was not intended to give up Ankara's accession, but Turkey should maintain values of fundamental rights and freedom.
"Peaceful demonstrations constitute a legitimate way for these groups to express their views in a democratic society. Excessive use of force by police against these demonstrations has no place in such a democracy," Fule stated.
He called for a "swift and transparent" investigation into the week-long unrest and that those responsible to be held to account.
Turkish Human Rights Foundation says some 4,300 people have been hurt or sought medical care for the effects of tear gas inhalation. The Turkish government says dozens of police officers have been injured.
The anti-government unrest began after police broke up a sit-in staged in Taksim Square on May 31 to protest against the demolition of Gezi Park.
The protesters say the park, which is a traditional gathering point for rallies and demonstrations as well as a popular tourist destination, is the city's last green public space.
Amnesty International has censured the Turkish police for the tactics they have used to control the protests.
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