Emily Casswell talks to students in Istanbul about the Taksim Gezi Park protests of last summer, and finds them ashamed of their government’s undemocratic actions with little else to do but laugh.
As Turkey’s economy slows down, Turks are increasingly concerned about the denial of basic human rights. The AKP-led government limits freedom of expression and undermines Turkey’s secular tradition, exacerbating social divisions. Erdoğan’s foreign policy has embroiled Turkey in regional conflicts, including the morass in Syria.
Since the start of the protests on 31st May, Turkey has witnessed media censorship, police brutality, protests by the thousands, and the injury and deaths of protesters.
After nearly two weeks of peaceful anti-government protests in Turkey, riot police have stormed the focal point of the demonstrations – Istanbul’s Taksim Square.