Gezi Park protesters decide to go on with protest movement
Despite the government’s commitment to conform to a court decision that would suspend the redevelopment plans for Gezi Park which sparked two weeks of anti-government unrest, the protesters have decided to go on with the resistance movement.
Representatives of the Taksim Solidarity Platform, who participated in a late night meeting with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on June 13, narrated the content of the negotiations and the government’s messages.
Taksim Solidarity Platform declared that the protesters would themselves decide the next step adding “We will discuss it by forming seven different forums which will show the tendency. Everyone will have an equal right to speak.”
The spokesperson for the platform also said “We are at a critical threshold and this is a place which everyone came to with their own free will. We want them to express their own will”.
After all-night discussions in Gezi Park, the protesters emphasized that their movement was bigger than a simple conservation protest and made following declaration.
“We will continue our resistance in the face of any injustice and unfairness taking place in our country,” the Taksim Solidarity group, seen as most representative of the protesters, said. “This is only the beginning.”
On the other hand, supporters of Mr Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) are expected to take to the streets of the capital on Saturday for an election rally to show support for the embattled premier.
The prime minister’s approach to stop the Gezi Park redevelopment until its legality is ruled by court, has been his first conciliatory gesture since the challenge to his Islamist-backed government began, while ago.
The prime minister’s initial attitude towards protests was evaluated as real tough when he called demonstrators “looters”. The PM also said the unrest was being encouraged by foreign forces to undermine Turkey and its economy.
Erdoğan’s most recent call was “Young people, you have remained there long enough and delivered your message…. Why are you staying?” in a speech broadcast live on television.
15.06.2013
SOURCE: MEDIA
