Student Protest in Istanbul against Turkish brutality – Update

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Kurdish mother reacts as riot police arrest her son.

Kurdish students in Istanbul staged a protest earlier this week against Turkey’s response to the killing of 35 civilians. The Turkish government has refused to issue an apology, only going as far as compensating the families for their loss. At least 30 students were arrested, and despite our efforts we have been unable to get further information about their arrest.

Riot police used tear-gas to disperse protesters, while the protesters chanted “Murderer Erdogan”. The Turkish government has not been held responsible for the killing of 35 civilians, despite international calls for a thorough investigation.

Riot Police in Istanbul during the student protest

The Pro-Kurdish political party BDP have called for the government to hold those accountable for the killing responsible. Pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) Chairman Selahattin Demirtaş has said, “I was ashamed to be human as I listened to the prime minister’s speech.” The Turkish Prime Minister has accused BDP of being opportunists for being vocal in their condemnation of the gruesome killing of civilians.