ERZURUM
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan defied Sunday anti-government protests sparked more than three weeks ago after plans to demolish a green area at Istanbul's Taksim Square.
"People have brought us to power and only people can take us down. We do not recognize any force other than God and the will of the people," he told thousands of his supporters in a rally of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party in the eastern province of Erzurum.
Erdogan also criticized use of social networks utilized by protester during demonstrations, saying "Let them attack via Twitter and Facebook. The people in Erzurum represent the national will." He said protesters "entered mosques in their shoes and drank alcohol inside" during Taksim Gezi Park protests.
"Those who claim to be socialists are now relaxing in their yachts in Istanbul. If you are looking for social justice, you can find it in AK Party," he said.
Labeling Taksim protesters as "occupation forces," he said: "I gave the instructions to the police to clear the demonstrators and to clear Taksim Square," in defiance of criticisms that police have used "excessive and disproportionate force" against protesters.
"If you have the courage, if you are sincere, if you have any faith in democracy and in the popular will, ballot boxes are in eight months time," he said.
He labeled demonstrators banging pots and pans to protest his government "are noise polluters."
The "Respect to National Will" rallies continue to take place under the theme "Let's spoil the big game and write history."
First rally was held in Turkish capital Ankara on June 15, followed by Istanbul on June 16, by Kayseri on June 21, by Samsun on June 22.
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