Turkish Minister Says Nationwide Strike is Illegal

Unions urging members to strike over forced eviction of an Istanbul park

The Turkish interior minister has declared a nationwide strike "illegal" and threatened to suppress it.

Unions called the stoppage for Monday over the forced eviction of Istanbul's Gezi Park and what they described as "police violence."

After a weekend of clashes there is a strong police presence, with access to the area restricted.

The Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan defended the crackdown but many are unconvinced.

"They say at the meeting yesterday he (the prime minister) cleaned the park and now (the) Istanbul public can come to the park. But there is no public in the park. And he only lies. Big lies," said a hotel employee called Tolgar.