Turkish police forces arrest 13 more anti-govt. protesters

Turkish police have arrested 13 more people on charges of instigating protests against Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan.

Turkey’s state-run Anadolu news agency reported on Thursday that they were detained for alleged vandalism, use of firebombs and inciting riots. However, it did not reveal where the demonstrators had been rounded up.

Police carried out multiple raids across the country on Tuesday, and detained dozens of anti-government protesters.

Turkish Interior Minister Muammer Guler said 62 people had been detained in Istanbul and 23 in the capital Ankara. State broadcaster TRT also said a further 13 had been held in Eskisehir.

NTV television network reported that police raids targeted left-wing groups in Ankara and Istanbul, which the government suspects were involved in violent clashes with police during the recent anti-government demonstrations.

Many countries and international organizations have expressed concern about Turkish police treatment of anti-government protests.

On Tuesday, Cem Oezdemir, co-chair of Germany’s opposition Greens party who is of Turkish origin, also criticized Erdogan over handling of the unrest.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay has also expressed concern over clashes between Turkish police and demonstrators. She has called for the punishment of officials and security forces using excessive force.

The unrest in Turkey erupted after police broke up a sit-in staged at Taksim Square on May 31 to protest against a government plan for the redevelopment of Gezi Park.

The Turkish prime minister has faced international condemnation for his handling of the unrest. Turkish police have also been strongly criticized for using excessive force against the peaceful protests.

Five people, including a police officer, have reportedly died in the clashes and more than 5,000 protesters and 600 police officers have been wounded.