A Bedgrove politician has found himself caught up in the Istanbul protests while on holiday this evening (Monday).
Conservative district councillor Tom Hunter-Watts has been forced to seek shelter in a cafe on Istiklal Street after police used tear gas and water cannons on protesters in Gezi Park.
The park was the starting point for June’s protests when protesters staged a sit-in against development plans for it. A heavy police reaction sparked nationwide protests against Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan for his authoritarian leadership and a range of issues.
Mr Hunter-Watts said to The Bucks Herald on Twitter: “I found myself running away from tear gas in Istanbul. Now sheltering in nearby cafe listening to light jazz.
“Some of my Turkish friends are taking part in the protests. There’s been lots more water cannon and tear gas. I still can’t leave the cafe. Demonstrators rush in every so often when the tear gas volleys are fired, then rush out again.
“Gezi was very quiet and peaceful this lunchtime, then suddenly very different.”
The park had been closed for three weeks but reopened today only for it to be subsequently closed just three hours later after another rally was planned.