9 Taksim Gezi Parki protestors detained in Ankara

Demonstrators who gathered in Kızılay district, central Ankara to protest the demolition of Taksim Gezi Park which is one of the few green sites in central Istanbul, dispersed into side streets due to police intervention and rain. The Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions (DISK) and the Public Workers Unions Confederation (KESK), gathered in Kizilay Square to demand job and payment security with other protesters supporting them and shouting anti- government slogans. Crowds voiced their demands by chanting songs, holding banners, Turkish flags and Ataturk posters. Police called on the protestors to pull back from the square announcing provocateurs were getting prepared to attack. Protestors hurled stones towards the police and the police continued intervening by firing tear gas. Meanwhile in Istanbul 76 protestors who had been arrested eariler were released. Six other protestors under 18 years old kept in Istanbul Police Department were also freed.

Protests initially began as a sit in Taksim Gezi Park to protest plans to redevelop the park but broke out in clashes after the police had fired tear gas and used water cannon. More than 900 people have been detained since the protests sparked nine days ago.