Civil Liberties

U.S. Government Worried About Turkish Violence

Specifically, about the regime's reaction to protests

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The Obama administration voiced concern Monday over Turkey's crackdown on protesters and urged authorities to exercise restraint and all sides to refrain from violence.

The White House said the United States believes the vast majority of those protesting have been peaceful, law-abiding citizens. Presidential spokesman Jay Carney called them ordinary citizens exercising their rights to free expression.

But Carney also said that all democracies have to work through issues, adding that Washington is concerned about Turkey's response to protesters but expects the U.S. ally to work through the issue while respecting its citizens' rights.