RIOTS IN TURKEY

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29192, 30 April 1960, Page 13

RIOTS IN TURKEY

Martial Law Imposed ISTANBUL, April 29. Police and troops backed by tanks guarded the virtuallydeserted streets of Istanbul through the night as a result of the martial law ana eighthour curfew imposed after anti-Government riots in Istanbul yesterday. Ankara, the second city of Turkey, was also under curfew and martial law, with all cinemas, casinos and other amusement places shut. At least 15 students and three policemen were injured when police opened fire, first into the air and then into the crowd, when the demonstrators stoned mounted police. The martial law commander in Istanbul, General Fahri Ozdilek, said there had been no deaths, although earlier unconfirmed reports said seven students had been killed.

Estimates of the number of demonstrators varied up to 10,000.

The students ’iad been protesting against the suspension from Parliament of Mr Ismet Inonu, leader of the Republican People’s Party, and 12 other Opposition members, who attacked a bill giving parliamentary committees powers of press censorship. They paraded with Turkish flags and pictures of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, shouted “Freedom” and demanded the resignation of the Prime Minister. Mr Adnan Menderes.

Two drawbridges spanning the Golden Hom from one section of the city to the other were raised to prevent the students from reaching the city centre. In a wild melee near the university gates the students stoned the police and jammed lighted cigarettes at police horses to unseat the riders.

The police fired into the air as a warning. Then they fired into the crowd. One witness said five students were killed and three policemen injured.

The demonstrators marched to the Governor’s office, which was guarded by police, soldiers, and tanks. They shouted: “Resign Menderes, resign Governor.” The police hurled tear gas bombs at the students. The students threw them back at the police.