Hundreds of protesters marched up Istanbul’s Istiklal Caddesi today, trying to reach Gezi Park to mourn the victims of police violence who were killed and injured during the 2013 Gezi uprising.
On 28th May 2013, protesters occupied Gezi Park in the centre of Istanbul, launching an uprising against gentrification, social control and the police state.
Today, police water cannons and cops wielding tear gas launchers, riot shields, paint-ball guns and rifles, prevented the crowd from reaching the park. Taksim Square was occupied by hundreds of police in riot gear for the duration of the day.
Gülsüm Elvan, the mother of 15 year old Berkin Elvan, spoke to the demonstrators. Berkin died after 267 days in a coma. He was hit in the head by a tear gas canister during the 2013 Gezi uprising. Berkin was one of 11 people killed by the police during the uprising.
Other speakers condemned the Turkish police state, and said that one day they would be able to march to Gezi again. Slogans included ‘Taksim is everywhere’ and ‘all dictators must fall’.
Protesters then moved on to two other parks in the city to hold occupations.
The demonstrators included trade unionists, communists, anarchists and Kurdish activists.