Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (TIHV) released a statement, saying that 3,482 demonstrators were detained and 101 arrested during Gezi Resistance protests across Turkey.
Some of the arrest charges included “being a member or leader of an illegal organization”, “property damage”, “having arms and bullets” or “raiding a mosque”.
59 detainees have been transferred today to Istanbul Courthouse for their testimonies.
“10 individuals have been fined 88 liras (roughly 40 euros) each for making noise by pans and pots, while 9 students have been fined 1000 liras (roughly 450 euros) for the same charges,” TIHV statement said.
“According to statistics released by Interior Ministry, protestors have been organizing forums across Turkey (except Bingöl and Bayburt provinces) to continue their struggle on their basic rights and freedoms despite police violence since May 27.”
Aggressors with scimitar roam freely, protestors under detention
The statement also cited an incident on Saturday where 4 people attacked civilians with choppers.
“Following the cancellation of construction projects in Taksim by Istanbul 1st Administration Court, police attacked with water cannons and rubber bullets at people who assembled in Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue on July 6.
“Throughout the night, 4 individuals who are rumored to be local business owner around Taksim area, attacked civilians with choppers in the back streets of Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue.”
“On July 7, a court released the aforementioned four individuals who were charged with arrest. The same night, 59 people were detained and scores were injured.”
“While the aggressor police forces had reportedly no helmet ID numbers, police also attacked press representatives with a valid press ID.” (AS/BM)
