Galery

1

I think that the developments are still at a very early stage. We have to follow them in order to be able to analyze them later. This protest is not just a single expression of dissatisfaction. From the moment it broke out not only in Istanbul but also in dozens of other cities, there have been a large number of injured protesters and it has created a precedent. If the government continues with this policy, probably new protests will follow. Besides, in Turkey, many people are moderate Muslims, fully supporting the secular character of the Turkish Republic; they are not in favour of this turn towards a more conservative Islam. There are a fair number of them and they may go back into the streets to express their protest.

The protest in Athens

A protest in support of the rebellion in Turkey was organized in Athens late in the afternoon. Around 300 Greeks, Turks and Kurds, many of whom are members of leftist parties and organizations, had gathered in Vassilis Sofias Avenue and headed together to the building of the country’s embassy in Athens.

They were shouting slogans in Turkish, among which "Erdogan fascist" and "Erdogan terrorist" could be clearly heard. Some of them were holding in their hands posters reading, "Solidarity with the Turkish nation" and others were carrying Kurdish flags and a banner with the picture of PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan.

The protesters failed to reach their target, as the streets around the embassy were blocked and closely guarded by dozens of policemen.
 
"I'm here to protest against the violence that the police are using against the protesters in Turkey. This is a movement that seeks to challenge our freedoms. That's why we are so angry and we are here, outside the Turkish embassy, to express our dissatisfaction," Denise Gedik from Turkey, a post graduate student at the Panteion University, told GRReporter.

She points out that the protests are a response to bans that have continued for years. "They wanted to ban abortion, alcohol and many things related to environmental protection. There is no trace of democracy in the decision-making process. There are problems in the education and health policy. Furthermore, we advocate our right to expression. I think this movement is for the good of Turkey."

"The media say it is nationalist. This is not true. Indeed, there may be nationalists and even Kemalists among the people but it is a people’s movement. In Turkish society, there are conflicts and now we are all together, even the Kurds support the movement," she states.