Turkish police clash with demonstrators as thousands protest violence against women

Riot police fired pepper gas to disperse thousands of demonstrators who gathered in Istanbul on Thursday to protest violence against women, nearly five months after Turkey withdrew from a treaty on the issue.

The group of several thousand marched to Taksim Square, which was blocked off with barriers amid a heavy police presence. Many chanted slogans and held large banners. Police fired pepper gas and rubber bullets, scuffling with protesters after urging the crowd to disperse.

At the start of July, Turkey withdrew from an international treaty to combat violence against women, known as the Istanbul Convention, in a move strongly criticized by Western allies.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced the withdrawal in March, saying Turkey would use local laws to protect women's rights.

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