Interior Minister on Police Violence Against Women: 'They Fired Just a Little Gas'

Photo: Fatoş Erdoğan

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Minister of Interior Süleyman Soylu has spoken at a meeting of gendarmerie commanders in the capital Ankara, making remarks on the incidents on November 25, the International Day for the Eliminating Violence Against Women.

The allegation that the police used violence against women during a demonstration in Taksim, İstanbul is a "huge lie," Soylu said. "After the press statement ended, 50 LGBTIs attacked the police. Just a little gas was fired. After the gas was fired, the incident ended."

CLICK - Women Gather in Taksim on the International Day for the Eliminating Violence Against Women

Authorities allowed the women to walk for about 140 meters on İstanbul's famous İstiklal Avenue on November 25. As the people began to disperse after a statement for the press, a small group attempted to cross the police barricade, which led the police officers to use tear gas and rubber bullets against the women. Many women were affected by the police attack. Women left İstiklal Avenue, chanting slogans after the police warned them to disperse.

Soylu also remarked that the state "cannot be silenced by newspaper headlines anymore." (EMK/VK)