The demolition of Istanbul's Taksim Gezi Park was halted on Tuesday as Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) Istanbul deputy Sırrı Süreyya Önder stood in front of a bulldozer and didn't leave the area, insisting that the demolition of the park and the uprooting of the trees was unlawful.

The walls of Taksim Gezi Park had been demolished to some extend on Monday night, drawing strong reactions from  environmentalist  groups who have been staying in the park area in tents since early Tuesday to prevent the demolition which is taking place as part of Taksim pedestrianization project. Police brutally attacked demonstrators with tear gas to disperse them on Tuesday.

BDP deputy Önder who also joined the protestors on Tuesday afternoon forced the construction equipment to stop the demolition, standing in front of one and insisting not to leave there until the officials in charge showed the legal document permitting the work at the site. The demolition was halted as officials had no document giving them permission for the demolition of the park. Riot police units and the machines left the park in the evening.

A large group of protestors, including artists as well, are still waiting in the park area.

"There are countless residences but no green areas in Istanbul except for this park which is the only place where people can spend time without paying any money for anything. We will not allow them to uproot these trees. The will of the people will resist against this unlawful demolition", Önder said.