Turkey embassy guards draw picketers’ blood
Security personnel pounced on a crowd of Turkey Solidarity Network (TSN) protesters picketing outside the Turkish embassy in Pretoria ahead of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to the mission.
“We were very peaceful, yet firmly picketing about Erdogan’s dictatorial rule,” said Majesty Mnyandu, interim TSN chairperson.
“Suddenly, security personnel emerged from the embassy and attacked us.
“I was kicked in the face and I’m bleeding.
“We were really perplexed at their behaviour. This is South Africa, a free nation.
“We will not be deterred. We are not leaving this place until Erdogan has seen our placards.
“We will be here until he arrives.”
Mnyandu criticised the police for “standing by idly” while the activists were attacked. “One would expect the police to protect citizens when they are under some form of attack,” said Mnyandu.
Several TSN members were bleeding, while others were crying in pain.
In a statement released ahead of the picket yesterday, the TSN said: “Turkey’s two year-long state of emergency and new antiterror laws set a backdrop for violations of human rights ... with academics, journalists, political activists and human rights defenders among those targeted.”
The civic group said more than 250 000 workers, including judges, teachers and government workers, had lost their jobs, and others have been detained, suspended or placed under investigation by Erdogan’s regime.
“Families are being separated with mothers and young children jailed or left to fend for themselves,” said the TSN statement.
Officials from the Turkish embassy were not available to comment. – ANA