GENEVA, Switzerland, June 18 (UPI) -- The police use of force against demonstrators in Turkey has been excessive at times, the top U.N. human rights official said Tuesday from Geneva.
Demonstrations against plans to raze a historic park in Istanbul have evolved into nationwide protests against the Turkish government. The United Nations estimates "thousands" of people were injured during the protests and at least four people have died since late May.
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said governments are obligated to ensure "all necessary measures" are taken to respect the general welfare of civilians exercising their right to protest peacefully.
Pillay said Tuesday she was concerned by reports of the excessive use of force by police against demonstrators.
"Reports that tear gas canisters and pepper spray were fired at people from close range, or into closed spaces, and the alleged misuse of rubber bullets, need to be promptly, effectively, credibly and transparently investigated," she said in a statement.
She welcomed a decision last week by the Turkish government to postpone the park's redevelopment. The decision is an opportunity for Ankara to build public trust, she said.
