08.07.2013
Translated from Turkish by Translators for Justice
Source: http://www.ttb.org.tr/index.php/Haberler/alicerkezoglu-3918.html

Being barricaded by the police and closed to the public for 23 days, Gezi Park ” opened to the public again” today with an official ceremony attended by Istanbul Governor, Mayor of Istanbul, and Mayor of Beyoglu. Announcing reopening of a public area which is supposed to be accessible to the public, Governor Hüseyin Avni Mutlu blazed a trial.Developments in the evening hours were the indicator of continuing eclipse of intelligence and conscience of AKP Government and its Governor. Scheduled press release of Taksim Platform, one of whose components is Istanbul Medical Association, at 19:00 this evening was precluded by fierce police attacks. Dozens of people, including General Secretary of Istanbul Medical Association Dr. Ali Çerkezoğlu, our member Dr. Kamil Tekerek, Chamber of Architects Manager Mücella Yapıcı, General Secretary of Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects Provincial Coordination Committee were arrested.

We condemn AKP Government and its Governor for undertaking irrational and unlawful attack against the use of constitutional rights, individual rights and freedoms.

Those who were detained unfairly and unlawly should be released immediately, the police should end the occupation of Taksim Square and Gezi Park which should be open to the general public, and squares and parks must be left to their rightful owners, namely the public.

Turkish Medical Association
Central Council