US expresses concern over Turkish police's treatment of protesters

At least 12 people have been injured after Turkish police used tear gas and water cannon against protesters occupying a park in central Istanbul. The US expressed its concern over the reported number of injuries in Istanbul.

"We believe that Turkey's long-term stability, security and prosperity is best guaranteed by upholding the fundamental freedoms of expression, assembly and association, which is what it seems these individuals were doing,'' state department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

"These freedoms are crucial to any healthy democracy," she added.