Turkish unions on strike in support of protests

As Turkish unions went on strike on Wednesday, thousands of workers gathered in Kizilay Square of Ankara to protest over the police crackdown on the Gezi Park unrest. The Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions (D SK), the Public Workers Unions Confederation (KESK), the Turkish Doctors' Union (TTB) and the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) and members of left-wing political parties, civil society organizations expressed solidarity with Gezi Park demonstrations, which started as sit-in protests but then became a nationwide anti-government rallies. "People who have claimed their land, their water are accused of being bandits. People seeking freedom and democracy are described as marauders," Secretary General of KESK Ismail Hakki Tombul addressed to the group. He criticized the government of having an understanding as "I had more votes in ballots. Therefore I can do whatever I want." Mass protests were indication of government pressure on citizens, Tombul noted. He urged the government for law enforcement against governors and police chiefs of cities where the police carried out crackdowns on protestors. Organizers of the ongoing protests in the iconic Taksim Square in Turkey's Istanbul said Wednesday that they will continue their "struggle" until their demands are met by the government through tangible steps. In a press briefing after talks with Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc in Ankara on Wednesday, the organizers said they are demanding the authorities to take immediate measures to address their demands.