Today, on the ninth day of the Istanbul protest, protestors built a library. All people were welcome to bring books which everyone can read as they all await for the outcome of the protest.

Who would have thought that the supposedly peaceful demonstration that primarily started to prevent centuries old tree from being pulled out to give way to a shopping mall will become accounts of excessive police violence?

Even if the true cause of the protests became blurred in the days that passed, today, the protesters were once again clear on what they are really fighting for.

The protesters now dubbed as Gezi Park Resistance met with the deputy Prime Minister, Bulent Arinc. The protesters, through the meeting, aimed to air out their demands to the government.

The Gezi Park Resistance demands the following:

  • Gezi Park should remain a park. There should be no construction on the park under the of TopcuKislasi or under any other name. An official statement should be made announcing the cancellation of the project. The attempts at the demolition of Ataturk KulturMerkezi should be stopped.
  • Starting with the Governors and Chief of Police of Istanbul, Ankara and Hatay, all responsible persons who have stood in the way of people's right of expression in the resistance at Taksim and other places; person who ordered the use of violence; and persons who supervised and carried out these orders should be removed from the office. The use of tear gas bombs and similar devices should be banned.
  • The citizens who have been denied all around the country for supporting the resistance should be free immediately. There should be a statement announcing that no further investigation will be pursued against these individuals.
  • The prohibition and de-facto obstruction of meetings, protests and demonstrations in our squares and public places should end, starting with Taksim and Kiziliay Squares, the sights od May 1st celebrations. Barriers to freedom of expression should be lifted.

Meanwhile other sector of workers, architectures, engineers and doctors joined the protesters. Everybody was in unison as they chant "Strike and Go to Street."

There were also people from the movie industry who built up tents at the Gezi Park and support the protests all the way. Their slogans read: Hey, Prime Minister! Let us help you become a star! Keep your hands off our public spaces. In return, we promise to make a movie for you."

In line with this, the group called "Documentarist" announced that there will be a film showing through a projector. The film to be shown was documentary of the days of the protests. Also, the 1966 remarkable film Ah Guzel Istanbul was set to be shown at the park.

However, come nighttime, the police strike again. A Riot Control Vehicle made its way to the park and tried to disperse the protesters again.

While being dispersed by police, Gezi Park Resistance continued with their chantings: "Resist Rize, Resist Ankara."

The protesters had proven themselves as peaceful demonstrators but the police continued with their excessive use of force.