Police Retreat as Protests Expand Through Turkey

(Istanbul) – Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's government should end police violence and excessive use of force against protests across Turkey. Officials should uphold the right to peaceful protest and free speech.The Foreign Office has advised British tourists to avoid anti-government demonstrations in Turkey. "Demonstrations are taking place in Istanbul and in other cities across Turkey, including Ankara. Police are using tear gas and water cannons in response.Urgent steps must be taken by the Turkish authorities to prevent further deaths and injuries and allow protesters access to their fundamental rights, as well as ensuring the security of all members of the public.More than a hundred people are reported to have been injured after police used water cannon and tear gas to disperse a peaceful protest against the destruction of Gezi Park in central Istanbul.Police in

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