Police crackdown grows in intensity in second day in Ankara

ANKARA

Violent clashes broke out in the central Güven Park in Ankara’s Kızılay district. DAILY NEWS photo, SELAHATTIN SÖNMEZ

The police crackdown in Ankara against protesters who took to the streets to support the demonstrations in Istanbul continued on their second day. Violent clashes broke out in the central Güven Park, as police tried to quell protesters with tear gas and water cannons, using fierce brutality.

Many protesters took refuge in nearby shops and cafes to escape the effects of tear gas. Witnesses reported that many protesters were injured, and there were calls on social media to assist those fleeing the tear gas attacks of the police.

Clashes also broke out on May 31, as police had staged a crackdown after blocking the arterial roads connecting to Kızılay, Çankaya and Kuğulu Park, the three main focal points of Turkey's capital city.

The demonstrations had started peacefully as thousands of Ankara locals gathered at Kuğulu Park to show solidarity with Istanbul's little patch of green, Gezi Park. The violent response of the police has left many protesters in disarray.