Protests in Turkey - level 3

06-06-2013 06:00

The worst anti-government demonstrations in years is raging into its second day in Turkey.

The unrest began after protesters gathered in Gezi park in Istanbul's Taksim Square over government plans to redevelop the park. Turkish police fired tear gas and water cannons at the demonstrators in Istanbul which has now widened into a broader demonstration against what they say is the authoritarianism of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Amnesty International and the European Parliament have raised concerns about excessive use of police force after medics say over 1000 people were injured in the clashes--some after being hit by gas canisters.

Protests also erupted in the capital Ankara, and there are calls on social media for similar demonstrations in over a dozen cities.

Interesting words: unrest (protests), redevelop (rebuild), authoritarianism (strict government), medic (doctor), canister (metal box with gas which is fired from a gun).