democrazy

"The Constitution says that anyone can stage a demonstration without giving notification, but the legislation says that applying to the authorities for permission is mandatory. So nobody can say they exercise their constitutional rights. This is unlawful," Gov. Hüseyin Avni Mutlu had told reporters in response to news of the protest. 

"I can't allow a demonstration that I haven't permitted in advance," he said. -Russian TV

The ruling was deemed a victory for protesters and a blow for the Prime Minister who stood vehemently against protests and riots, accusing their perpetrators of being terrorists. 

Five people have been killed and around 4,000 injured – including 600 police officers – over the course of the mass demonstrations, and around 4,900 protesters have been detained. The report further stated that some 58 public buildings and 337 private businesses were damaged, while 240 police vehicles, 214 private cars, 90 municipal buses and 45 ambulances were left unusable. 

A Turkish protestor is fired at by police water cannon in Istiklal Avenue. 'Young and dynamic, Turkey’s civil society is anything but silent.' Photograph: Annibale Greco/ Corbis : the guardian

"The contrasts that define modern Turkey were never more apparent than last weekend, when thousands of people gathered in Istanbul to support equal rights for gays, transsexuals and bisexuals. The protesters marched along Istiklal Avenue waving banners and rainbow flags, creating a scene that felt unique in today's Muslim world. The placards, written in Turkish, Kurdish, Armenian, Arabic and English, were imbued with mettle and humour. "Homosexuality is not a disease. But racism is," said one of them. "So what if I am a fag?" asked a banner. Another read: "We are the soldiers of Freddie Mercury."- The Guardian