Turkish police have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at crowd demonstrating against the government’s takeover of the country’s top-selling newspaper.
As news of the takeover became public Friday afternoon, supporters began gathering in front of the newspaper’s offices in Istanbul. Police in riot gear pushed back Zaman supporters who stood in the rain outside its İstanbul office where they waved Turkish flags and carried placards reading “Hands off my newspaper” before they were overcome by clouds of tear gas.
Three trustees, all openly supportive of Erdogan, were reportedly appointed to manage the paper. Turkish police continue to occupy Zaman’s headquarters, and the building’s internet connection cut off.