As demonstrators gathered in the US capital to protest Erdogan’s authoritarian policies, Turkish security personnel reportedly kicked one protestor, a woman was thrown to the sidewalk, and one journalist was physically removed from the site.
Gathered on the sidewalks, protesters chanted "Erdogan, terrorist."
— Sputnik US (@SputnikNewsUS) March 31, 2016
— Brian Reeves (@BrianNReeves) March 31, 2016
— Brian Reeves (@BrianNReeves) March 31, 2016
"The situation is a bit out of control," a US Secret Service agent told Foreign Policy.
— Sputnik US (@SputnikNewsUS) March 31, 2016
Altercations also broke out between Turkish security personnel and Brookings Institute employees and DC police. While Erdogan’s security insisted that authorities remove protesters, DC police refused.
Ambulances are on standby at the scene.
— Sputnik US (@SputnikNewsUS) March 31, 2016
The Turkish president is in the United States for a five-day visit during the Nuclear Industry Summit. He has been refused an official meeting with President Barack Obama during his stay, pointing to the strained relationship between the two allies.
