08-05-2024 07:52 PM Jerusalem Timing

Protesters Rally against Corruption in Turkey

Protesters Rally against Corruption in Turkey

Protesters took to the streets in the Turkish capital Saturday to protest against the corruption and bribery allegations roiling Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government.

Protesters took to the streets in the Turkish capital Saturday to protest against the corruption and bribery allegations roiling Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government. Turkey

Close to 600 people, shouting "They are thieves" and "Government, resign!", gathered in Ankara's central Kizilay square, an AFP photographer reported.  

Some demonstrators were seen handing out fake Euros in a mocking protest over leaked audio tapes that allegedly put Erdogan himself at the heart of the corruption scandal.

The first audio recording was leaked on Monday in which Erdogan and his son Bilal allegedly discuss hiding 30 million Euros ($41 million) on December 17, the same day as police raids that implicated key business and political allies of the government in the scandal.

Erdogan said the tapes -- which could not be independently verified -- were fabricated and a "vile montage".

Turkey's premier has repeatedly accused US-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen of instigating the corruption probe ahead of key local elections on March 30.