EVERYONE HAS RIGHT TO HOLD PEACEFUL RALLY: PM ERDOGAN

Istanbul, 23 Rajab 1434/2 June 2013 (MINA) – Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said everyone has the right to hold peace rally within boundaries of democracy and laws.

Erdogan’s comments came during a General Assembly meeting of the Turkish Exporters’ Assembly (TIM) in reaction to protestors who staged a sit-in protest at Taksim Gezi Park over the demolition of the park and uprooting of trees.

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However, no one has the right to act against laws, conduct acts out of democracy, and give damage to shop keepers, residents or pedestrians. No one has the right to increase tension in Turkey by using uprooted trees as an excuse, Erdogan said.

“I express again with all sincerity that everyone in this country has the right to express his/her views freely. Everyone in this country has the right to hold a rally within boundaries of democracy and laws. However, no one has the right to act against laws, conduct acts out of democracy, and give damage to shop keepers, residents or pedestrians. No one has the right to increase tension in Turkey by using uprooted trees as an excuse,” Erdogan said.

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Erdogan added that the Turkish Interior Ministry launched an investigation into the use of excessive pepper spray by security forces at the Taksim Gezi Park.(T/P03/E1)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)