14 DAY TRIAL // Protesters opposing Turkey's current government have been warned by the country's Prime Minister that they “will come to break those hands” that dare “to harm, stir up or set traps in the country.” During a speech for supporters in Giresun, Turkey, Tayyip Erdogan assured his cheering public that he will see that “everyone will know their place.”
Thousands of angry protesters are demanding the government's resignation after several projects of urban development are spreading across the country, threatening symbolic and historical landmarks. Even if the demonstrators have been fired with tear gas and water cannons several times, they refuse to abandon the protests in Istanbul.
Latest charges, accusing important officials of corruption and bribery have fueled the people's anger, engaging into massive anti-government movements since the violent demonstration from Taksim Square in the summer.
Holding a firm grasp to power, Erdogan threatened protesters a few too many times and had police forces attack with no concern on the public's reactions. “Whoever dares to harm, stir up or set traps in this country, we will come to break those hands,” the Prime Minister said according to Daily Mail.
With the latest anti-corruption movements taking place in Turkey's political field, 24 people have been charged with offenses concerning accepting and facilitating bribery in order to build developmental projects in protected areas. One particular bust involved an imposing Turkish CEO, accused of corruption, who had $4.5 (€3.3) million hidden in shoe boxes.
Prime Minister Erdogan has taken the sweeping of the corrupt officials as an operation against his government and his way of leading the country. He proceeded to sacking officials helping with the investigation, and blamed international forces for creating chaos and wanting to remove him from power.
After the violent clashes between the population and police forces during this past summer's protests, Erdogan's image has been massively bruised. With the upcoming elections, it is more than possible that the current prime minister will find himself confronted with the anger of the population.