Turkish parliament rejects no-confidence vote against PM
Turkey's parliament has rejected a no-confidence vote against the prime minister for allegedly encouraging rough treatment of demonstrators on Labour Day. Recep Tayyip Erdogan's party dominates the assembly and there had been little doubt that he would survive the vote on Tuesday. The opposition, which tabled a motion for the vote last week, accuses Erdogan of encouraging police to use excessive force against workers.
Thousands of police fired water cannons and tear gas canisters at protesters trying to get into an Istanbul square on Labour Day on May 1. Dozens were injured, and the EU has called for an investigation.
Posted by: Fred 2008-05-14 |