Istanbul Governor Huseyin Avni Mutlu said, Gezi Park protesters and police are in excellent cooperation at Taksim square.
Speaking at a press conference following the collection of banners, slogans and posters in Istanbul’s Taksim square hanged during Gezi Park protests, Mutlu said, Gezi Park protesters distinguished themselves totally from all other groups.
Mutlu said, the security officials only aim at cleaning the square, and Ataturk Culture Center (AKM) building off the banners, slogans and posters, emphasizing that as police started their work in this regard, the governorate announced that the youth residing at Gezi Park would not be target of any intervention.
“At the end of the environmentalist initiatives, the square and AKM turned into an advertisement board of several legal and illegal organizations. This picture was causing worry on the side of our public, as well as destroying Turkey’s image in the eyes of the world. Our work to normalize this scene has been completed,” said Mutlu.
He added, “While the collection work was going on, some marginal groups tried to clash with the police. Necessary steps were taken by the police to prevent any clash.”
Underlining that the police would maintain its ready stance against possible banners being hanged, in a calm and controlled way in the square, “I once again confirm that Gezi Park will not be targeted by police intervention,” said Mutlu.
Especially the youth in Gezi Park dishonored the provocations of marginal groups, and showed support to police through staying inside the park in line with the governorate’s warnings, said Mutlu, defining the peaceful protesters’ stance as “meaningful and valuable”.
Mutlu added, “We know that marginal groups tried to organize an anti-police resistance through throwing smoke bombs, molotov cocktails and fireworks, to create a perception that police was using excessive pepper gas. The public and the youth in Gezi Park showed a careful stance. We will continue our excellent cooperation.”
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