ANKARA (AA) - Governor of Istanbul Huseyin Avni Mutlu on Tuesday stated that the reason for the police entering Taksim Square was removing the banners and photos hung over Ataturk Cultural Center (AKM).
Governor Mutlu made an announcement via Twitter.
Mutlu stated that the reason for the police entering Taksim Square was removing the banners and photos hung over Ataturk Cultural Center and they wouldn't intervene to Gezi Park, Taksim and the protestors.
"Act together with the security forces in this work which also realizes the ideals of you, the young people and wait at Gezi Park. I kindly request you to quietly wait at where you are without being provoked and stay away from making wrong moves. Some protestors used materials that release fog and smoke. We should all know that their purpose is smaking the impression that the police used excessive gas," Mutlu noted.
Following Mutlu's statement police entered Taksim Square, removed all banners hung over AKM except for the Turkish flag and the poster of Ataturk.
"I thank the young people waiting at the Gezi Park. There are some clashes but nothing to worry about," he said.
Police made multiple announcements that their purpose wasn't intervening to Gezi Park during the removal of banners.
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