#occupygezi Myths and Facts

Myth 1: The people protesting bravely throughout Turkey are ordinary citizens conducting a peaceful protest
FACTS:
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A small group of ordinary citizens seeking to raise environmental concerns started the protests.
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Erdogan's opponents, ultra secular elitists, ultra nationalists and marginal leftist groups hijacked it.
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Gross vandalism ensued, totaling $45 million in damages. (As of June 4rd 2013)
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280 workplaces, 6 public buildings, 103 police vehicles, 207 private cars were damaged by protesters.
Myth 2: Police used excessive force against the peaceful protesters
FACTS:
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The government officials opened an investigation into the May 31st brutality allegations.
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Protesters used rocks and metal tools like tire irons, sledgehammers, or jackhammers to attack policemenand destroyed public and private property.
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1 police officer lost his life. The protesters injured 244 policemen and many innocent bystanders.
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2 civilians lost their lives and thousands of protesters were injured in the protests.

Myth 3: Over the course of Prime Minister Erdogan's ten-year term, we have witnessed a steady erosion of our civil rights and freedom
FACTS:
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In the last decade, Turkey has made tremendous reforms in civil rights and freedoms.
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EU Ambassador to Turkey Jean-Maurice Ripert praised Turkey's achievements in civil rights on April 16, 2013.
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The reform process is ongoing; the government is working towards more reforms.
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The AKP is working on replacing the military-drafted 1982 constitution.
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Despite the huge political risk, Mr. Erdogan has embarked on the Kurdish peace process to end a bloody 30-year conflict.
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Bans on the Kurdish language were lifted and citizens of Kurdish descent can freely speak in their mother tongue.
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The Prime Minister initiated restitution of properties to Non-Muslim foundations and minorities.
Myth 4: Time and again, the Prime Minister has mocked and trivialized his nation's concerns
FACTS:
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Time and again, the nation's people have increased their support for the Prime Minister (PM).
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His party received 34% in 2002, 47% in 2007 and 50% in 2011. The main opposition party received only 26%.
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A March 2013 independent survey shows that PM Erdogan had an approval rating of 62% (Pew Research).

Myth 5: The government does not have democratic dialogue with its citizens and dictates the interests of special interest groups
FACTS:
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The Prime Minister (PM) frequently consults public opinion polls on people's concerns and priorities and constantly engages with the general public.
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The "Akil Insanlar" (wise people) committee was founded by this government to bridge the society and to help solve the Kurdish issue.
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This committee consists of civil citizens from diverse backgrounds who serve as a bridge between the government and the people.
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Banks and conglomerates have openly supported the protesters.
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The government has lowered the overnight interest rates from 44% in 2002 to 4% in 2013, closing major loopholes special interest groups and conglomerates benefited from.