Anti-government protests spread across Turkey, over 1000 arrested

After a brief lull on Saturday, widespread protests sparked off once more across Turkey as anti-government protestors came head to head with police.

It all started with a peaceful protest over plans to redevelop the Gezi Parka but it has become bigger than just an environmental protest. It is now a demonstration against the Islamist-rooted government of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Turkey protesters and police clash photo screenshot RT video, see below

In the Tunali district of the capital Ankara, fires were lit by demonstrators. In Istanbul, police pushed back stone-throwing youths with tear gas and pepper spray near Turkish premier Tayyip Erdogan’s office.

Vehicles were also overturned and set alight and broken glass and rocks were strews everywhere.

Riot police in Istanbul have fought running battles with thousands of people who turned out to protect a park in the city’s central Taksim Square.

Water cannon and tear gas were used as protesters tried to reach the square and the parliament building in the capital, Ankara.

Erdogan accused Turkey’s main secular opposition party on Sunday of stirring a wave of anti-government protests, as tens of thousands regrouped in Istanbul and Ankara.

“This reaction is no longer about the ripping out 12 trees. This is based on ideology,” said Erdogan, whose conservative vision for the nation has angered more liberal Turks. Referring to the planned mosque, he added: “Obviously I will not ask for permission for this from the head of CHP or a few looters.”

RT posted a video of the water cannon truck straying protesters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=U__NeIouhYM