Thousands protest police brutality in Turkey
TurkeyIn Turkey thousands protested police brutality in ciities across the country after authorities forcefully cleared an encampment set up in an Istanbul park by people protesting building plans in the city.
According to reports police used water cannons and tear gas to clear a peaceful encampment occupied by an estimated 100 people in a park on the edge of Taksim Square.
The police injured at least 12 people, Turkish media reported.
Human rights organizations were critical of the police action, saying the use of force against the peaceful demonstration was disproportionate.
For the last four days, demonstrators had been protesting plans to remove trees and destroy green space in Gezi Park for the construction of a shopping centre and apartment buildings.