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.
The use of force against mass protests in Turkey has created an even stronger opposition than Erdogan could have imagined. This spark may yet turn into a massive fire.
Erdogan’s government have threatened to use the army to suppress further demonstrations, as trade unions strike in support of the protesters, and the police continue to use violence in an attempt to quell the unrest across the country.