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Erdogan Cheered, Criticized In AKP Stronghold

A crowd rallies for Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a show of force against the protests, but not without a sense of apprehension even in one of his party’s main strongholds.
People wave flags during Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan speech at his rally in Ankara June 15, 2013. Erdogan warned protesters occupying a central Istanbul park that they should leave before a ruling party rally on Sunday or face eviction by the security forces. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic (TURKEY - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) - RTX10OSI

ANKARA, Turkey - A crowd of some 100,000 supporters rallied in support of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan in one of his main strongholds near Ankara [June 15] in a show of force amid unprecedented street protests opposing his rule. Outside the venue, however, many watched with apprehension and some even pledged to never vote for him again.

Greeted as “the master of masters” and “a world leader,” Erdogan issued a final warning to protesters occupying Gezi Park in Istanbul to evacuate the place. Only hours later, police launched a violent clampdown on the encampment.

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