Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan on Thursday issued his “final warning” to activists steadfastly occupying Gezi Park and Taksim Square in Istanbul.
“Our patience is at an end. I am making my warning for the last time,” Erdogan said, according to the . Many have criticized him for authoritarian methods, used to apply his conservative, Islamist beliefs.
Erdogan had already given a 24-hour deadline on Wednesday for protesters to clear Gezi Park and Taksim Square, reports the Guardian.
“I am giving you my final warning,” Erdogan said, encouraging parents with children in the park or square to persuade them to go home, reports the Daily Star.
“I say to the mothers and fathers, please take your children in hand and bring them out.”
Activists have remained obstinate, refusing to leave the area until plans to redevelop the historic park are cancelled.
Though this may be true of some protesters, anti-government demonstrations have erupted across Turkey as a result of police violence.
Five people have been killed in the protests. The fifth deceased was named as Erdogan spoke against the protests.
Ethem Sarisuluk, 26, had been declared brain-dead and survived on life support after being hit in the head by a tear gas canister on June 1 in Ankara, the capital.
Three other protesters and one police officer are also among the deceased.
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