I expect the Turkish Government to respond to the largely peaceful demonstrations in an appropriate and non violent manner. The high number of people arrested and injured is shocking. I therefore call on the Turkish Government to refrain from the disproportionate use of force, to stop taking action against those who exercise their basic rights of freedom of opinion and assembly, and to release all imprisoned demonstrators without delay.

Arresting protesters who exchange messages via Twitter is also unacceptable; to do so is to restrict freedom of opinion in Turkey. These prisoners, too, must be released immediately.