Demonstrations in Istanbul in protest of Sharon's visit, 28 persons arested

Large demonstrations were held on Tuesday in Istanbul in protest of the visit of the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon to Turkey today. The demonstrators raised slogans denouncing the brutal practices conducted by the Israeli government against the Palestinian people.

The Turkish NTV television said that the demonstrators gathered in the downtown of the city, chanting slogans denouncing the visit and Israel's policy against the Palestinians. The TV said that the Turkish police clashed with the demonstrators and arrested 25 of them.

The Turkish police also on Tuesday arrested the Turkish journalist Ahmad Farouk who works for " Akiet" daily and also the two Turkish journalists Hamzeh Turkan and Redfan Kaya who work for the Turkish monthly " Haksouz" following the speeches they delivered in a meeting in Istanbul in which they urged the Turkish people to protest against the visit of Sharon.