The Party for Socialism and Liberation stands in solidarity with the workers, youth and all people in Turkey who are struggling heroically for their rights and against the pro-capitalist, reactionary and repressive policies of the ruling AKP—Justice and Development Party—government headed by Recip Erdogan.
The May 28 demonstration against the commercial development of a green space, Taksim Gezi park in the center of Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul, was met with vicious attacks by thousands of riot police. Instead of succeeding in suppressing the protests, however, hundreds of thousands of people joined in massive demonstrations against the government. Mass protests spread to the capital, Ankara, Izmir and many other cities.
At least one activist has been killed, and thousands have been wounded by the indiscriminate use of tear gas, pepper spray, water cannon, batons and other weapons against demonstrators. Thousands more have been jailed and subjected to beatings and other abuse. Police have attacked offices of organizations and homes of activists involved in the protests. With great courage and determination, the protestors have resisted the police assaults.
While the Taksim Gezi park protest was the spark, the conditions that caused a social explosion have been accumulating , especially in recent years. According to polls, a large majority of people are opposed to the government’s’ role in the imperialist-led war against the government of Syria, and many are angered by the continued presence of two major U.S. airbases on Turkish soil. There is wide opposition to the AKP’s pro-corporate policies and its attempt to restrict social rights and move the country away from its century-long secular tradition.
From protecting Taksim Gezi park from becoming a shopping mall, the demands of the protesters have escalated to calling for an end to police violence and the resignation of Erdogan and the AKP government.
The massive demonstrations in Turkey have surprised the world and changed the equation in the Middle East. They are proof once more of the reality that it is the people who make history.
Victory to the people’s struggle!
U.S. out of Turkey and the entire Middle East!
