Turkish lawyers protest harsh police crackdown

Lawyers have taken to the streets in the Turkish capital Ankara to protest the arrest of more than 70 of their colleagues in a harsh police crackdown.

The protest took place on Wednesday in the city where lawyers chanted slogans against officials.

Lawyers said their colleagues were taken into custody for reading a press release, accusing the government of violating their right to freedom of speech.

“Suppression has been going on for months. They are doing it to their own people … that is why we are here. Yesterday … 75 lawyers were detained using force,” said a lawyer during the protest.

The protest comes a day after fierce clashes between police and government protesters at Istanbul’s Taksim Square.

The riot police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters and regain control of the square.

Despite the harsh crackdown, many protesters remained camped-out at Gezi Park to press for their demands.

The demonstrators are calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who says he will not give in to their demands.

The anti-government protests in Turkey were triggered by the police violence against a sit-in staged at the square to protest against the demolition of Gezi Park on May 31.

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

Erdogan has faced international condemnation for his handling of the crisis and the Turkish police have been also criticized strongly for using excessive force against protests.

Reports say at least four people, including three protesters and one police officer, have been killed in the clashes.