Turkey beatings: Officers suspended

Turkish police have suspended three officers accused of using excessive force to break up a demonstration marking International Women’s Day, police said on Tuesday.

The 6 March incident coincided with a visit by top EU officials

A report by police inspectors said “the officers used excessive force” as police chased and beat demonstrators with clubs and sprayed tear gas directly into demonstrators’ faces on 6 March in Istanbul.

The Anatolia news agency said the officers were suspended pending the outcome of a police investigation.

Turkey has come under international criticism over the incident, which coincided with a visit by top European Union officials.

The EU has urged Turkey to expand rights and freedoms in the country and to curb torture.

Turkey is currently in negotiations with the EU to join the bloc.

Source: News Agencies