Anti-government protesters stage demo in Istanbul

Anti-government protesters in Turkey have gathered in Istanbul once more following a day of fierce clashes between police and protesters.

On Wednesday, demonstrators staged a protest at Taksim Square to push for their demands.

The protesters are calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who says he will not step down in the face of growing pressure.

The protests at Taksim Square gained momentum shortly after Turkish President Abdullah Gul said the government cannot tolerate further unrest.

However, he said the government was prepared to listen to complaints.

The unrest began on May 31 after police broke up a sit-in held at the square to protest against the proposal to demolish Gezi Park.

According to the Turkish Human Rights Foundation, four people have died, including a policeman, and about 5,000 people have been injured in the protests.

The protesters say Gezi Park, which is a traditional gathering point for rallies and demonstrations as well as a popular tourist destination, is Istanbul’s last green public space.

Erdogan has been harshly criticized for the way he has handled the crisis, and Amnesty International has censured the Turkish police for using excessive force against peaceful protesters.