1 Jun 2013

Turkish protests spreading

8:25 am on 1 June 2013

Protests in Turkey have spread from Istanbul to the capital, Ankara. Police used tear gas and water cannon in both cities.

Police used tear gas and water cannon in both cities. Dozens of people are said to have been injured.

Demonstrators in Istanbul earlier held a four-day sit-in at Gezi Park, against to redevelop that part of Taksim Square.

A court in Istanbul later ordered the temporary suspension of the project, which is aimed at easing congestion around the square, but also involves building a shopping mall over a popular park.

Opponents say the park is one of the few green areas left in central Istanbul.

Protests have also been reported in other cities, including Bodrum, Konya and Izmir.

Last week, parliament approved legislation restricting the sale and consumption of alcoholic drinks.

The regulations would prohibit retail sales between 22:00 and 06:00, ban all alcohol advertising and promotion, and stop new shops and bars from opening within 100m (330ft) of schools and mosques.