Istanbul Governor Mutlu stressed Turkish police intervened in Taksim only for cleaning, avoiding any clash.
As marked by Governor of Istanbul Huseyin Avni Mutlu’s remarks aimed to ease the tension, Turkish police changed their attitude and reaction on Tuesday as they cleared the Taksim square and not entered Gezi Park..
Compared to the onset of Taksim Gezi Park protests and incidents, Turkish police are seen as of Tuesday to remain calm and avoid any clash with protesters.
As Governor Mutlu stated on Tuesday on his Twitter account, Turkish police intervened in Taksim on Tuesday as of 06.00 GMT only to clean the square, Ataturk statue and Ataturk Culture Center (AKM) building off the banners, slogans and posters.
Mutlu guaranteed Taksim protestors and demonstrators that nobody will ever touch Gezi Park and Taksim, saying “Your safety is guaranteed by your police brothers.”
Highlighting that the police would maintain their ready stance against possible banners, in a calm and controlled way in the square, “I once again confirm that Gezi Park will not be targeted by police intervention,” said Mutlu.
“There is no problem in that you keep on waiting night and day in Gezi Park and Taksim. We are all upset upon the incidents, which we never would like to be repeated,” he noted.
Mutlu asked the demonstrators residing in tents in Taksim Gezi Park to calmly stay where they are, avoiding any provocations and possible failing acts.
He emphasized that the banners and posters hanged in Taksim Square turned into an advertising campaign for several legal and illegal voices out of the demonstrators’ actual ideals and expectations, creating an image of Turkey at home that upsets Turkish people. This picture tarnishes Turkey’s reputation abroad, Mutlu also said.
However, as Governor Mutlu stated, some marginal groups tried to provoke the police despite no intervention or reaction by the police.
“While the collection work was going on, some marginal groups tried to clash with the police. Necessary steps were taken by the police to prevent any clash,” he said.
He stressed that “Some protestors used materials emitting fog and smoke, trying to give the impression of excessive use of tear gas by the police.”
He also announced that the gunned man in Taksim appearing on television in a police uniform is found out to be an activist and a former prisoner sentenced to 6 months for his involvement in the Revolutionary Headquarters Organization.
In his last Tweets, Mutlu thanked the demonstrators who were not involved in violence for their caution against provocator groups.
“We know that marginal groups tried to organize an anti-police resistance through throwing smoke bombs, molotov cocktails and fireworks, to create a perception that police was using excessive pepper gas. The public and the youth in Gezi Park showed a careful stance. We will continue our excellent cooperation,” he added.
