Turkish police crack down on protesters in Istanbul

Turkish riot police launched crackdown against thousands of demonstrators who wanted to enter Gezi park sealed off by police in Istanbul on Saturday. Thousands have converged on Gezi Park close to the city center of Taksim Square, a focus of unrest taking place late last month. Police fired tear gas bombs and water cannons to disperse the protesters in Istiklal Street. Thousands of police were deployed and they did not let any people to enter the Taksim Square. Some people were injured and taken away by ambulance vehicle. Protesters who stand in front of a water cannon vehicle show police the Istanbul No. 1 Regional Court\'s decision, which cancelled the disputed Gezi Park and the Taksim redevelopment projects. Taksim Solidarity Platform last week called all Gezi protesters to \"enter\" Gezi Park, which was closed since the last police intervention to end the resistance. \"We have not given up our demands and gains,\" read the platform \'s statement. People chanting anti-government slogans \"We came here to enter to the park. It is ours.\" The Turkish Interior Minister Muammer Guler said that police intervention against protesters demonstrating at parks and public places was \"natural.\" \"They can use Gezi Park as they wish, without gathering or demonstrating there. But we can\'t let them install tents. If there is an unlawful demonstration or march, of course we will intervene with tear gas, police and other instruments,\" Guler said. Police crackdown on local environmental protests triggered by the attempt of cutting down trees in Istanbul\'s Gezi Park, a small oasis at the heart of the city\'s entertainment area, had stirred a huge outcry causing nationwide anti-government protests last month.