ANKARA
Turkish Minister of Interior Muammer Guler said Monday he expected laborers not to attend the protests upon call of trade unions.
Guler answered the questions of journalists following a workshop in Ankara.
Upon being asked of the content of the water sprayed from riot control vehicles, Guler said he obviously knew about the content and the police had the authority to use force within framework of law.
"Police can use shield, baton, can spray water, compressed water and tear gas and if necessary can use a gun according to law. There is no water with drug content used. Police use compressed water or tear gas and when needed dyed water but nothing else. We don't have such standard."
Guler also said 393 people were taken under custody and they were trying to complete the questioning as fast as possible.
Touching on the medical students and doctors under custody, Guler said, "As our Minister of Health has previously stated, there are people among them who are not doctors. Medical students don't have the status of doctors. Opening a sick bay requires a permit. Another thing is that a doctor treating patients needs to inform related authorities. There is also the detail of some doctors attending during work hours."
When journalists raised the issue of excessive use of force by the police, Guler said two officials in Izmir and one in Istanbul were laid off from their jobs and investigations were continuing.
Also touching on the protests to be carried out by the trade unions, Guler said, "Which legal protest are we talking about? In which part of the world can you see non-stop demonstrations everyday sabotaging public areas and normal life? I'll come and protest day long at Kizilay, can this be acceptible? It is our duty to make sure the laws in effect are enforced. That's why I kindly request civil servants and laborers not to attend illegal demonstrations or else they will have to face the consequences."
