Police attacked a meeting organized by Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) in Istanbul today to support hunger strikers in Turkish prisons.

A large crowd had gathered in Aksaray as prisoners reached day 54 of their hunger strike. Among the crowd were also several BDP deputies including Aysel Tuðluk, Sebahat Tuncel. Singer and former BDP candidate Ferhat Tunç was also at the meeting. Police attacked the crowd throwing tear gas and baton charging the people.

Three people were detained while many others were subjected to water cannon and pepper gas attacks.

Police refused to allow the crowd to make their statement about the ongoing hunger strike.

BDP had also organized a press conference in its Beyoðlu party building at 2:30 p.m. But this also was obstructed by the police.