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YEREVAN, JUNE 28, ARMENPRESS. The anti-governmental movement springs from the wrong organization of democratization procedures in Turkey. The Director of ARI movement, Turkish expert on international relations Mert Kayhan stated this at the course of the conference titled "The Geopolitics of the South Caucasus and Armenian-Turkish relations", which launched on June 28. As reports "Armenpress" Mert Kayhan underlined: “I am confident that democratization resembles cycling. You cannot stand on the moving bicycle, because in that case you’ll fall down." The expert stressed that we witness the same phenomenon in today's Turkey.
Among other things the Turkish expert touched upon the comparison of the ongoing movement in Turkey with Arab Spring and stated that he wouldn't agree with that parallel. "The Turkish youth does not struggle to overthrow the Government or change the constitutional order. Notwithstanding the Turkish Government has not understood it yet and is not capable to realize it," Mert Kayhan underscored.
From 28 May 2013, the plans of replacing Taksim Gezi Park with a reconstruction of the historic Taksim Military Barracks (demolished in 1940), with the possibility of housing a shopping mall. The protests developed into riots when a group occupying the park was attacked by police. The subjects of the protests have since broadened beyond the development of Taksim Gezi Park, developing into wider anti-government demonstrations. The protests have also spread to other cities in Turkey, and protests have been seen in other countries with significant Turkish communities. In 31 May 2013, police suppressed the protesters with tear gas, arrested at least 60 people and injured hundreds. The police action received wide attention online. Protesters organized and gathered on İstiklal Avenue, reaching thousands on the night of 31 May. 5 men died in the clashes between the Police and the protestors, more than 7500 people were injured and 5 thousand – arrested.