Turkish police in riot gear have descended on a protest encampment in Istanbul’s Taksim Square, firing tear gas and rubber bullets and forcing many to flee into nearby Gezi Park. Today marks the 12th day of a rising protest movement against Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan, who stands accused by the protesters of imposing religious and authoritarian rule. Today’s raid came a day after Erdogan’s deputy said the prime minister would meet with protesters.

Bülent Arinç: “The prime minister gave an appointment to representatives of some of the groups that have been organizing these protests. He will meet some of them on Wednesday upon their request, and he will meet other groups in the coming days.”