It had left its mark on May 1st: Governor Gül's statement on 'sweep the press'

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül answered journalists' questions at the Press Freedom Award Ceremony organized by the Press Council. Gül addressed the police intervention that took place on Beşiktaş Barbaros Boulevard, the meeting point for unions and civil society organizations that wanted to celebrate May 1st Labor Day in Taksim Square.

The instruction given by a police officer to "Sweep the press, sweep a little more" and the obstruction of press members with shields while they were trying to film the events were captured on camera.

A similar instruction was given two months ago for press members who wanted to film the Justice Watch in front of the Istanbul Courthouse, and journalists were again removed from in front of the courthouse.

HE RESPONDED

Governor Gül said, "There is no such instruction at the director level, it was not given. It may have exceeded its purpose at a lower level. I don't know if it was said or not, I didn't hear it, but if such a statement was made, it exceeded its purpose. It was wrong, I apologize."