Turkey issues US travel warning due to anti-Trump protests

Turkey issues US travel warning due to anti-Trump protests
By Euronews
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Turkey's government has told its citizens traveling to, and living in, the United States to stay away from mass protests in US cities.

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Turkey’s government has told its citizens traveling to, and living in, the United States to stay away from mass protests in US cities as anti-President-elect Trump demonstrations stretch into their fourth day.

“Within the context of risks caused by the incidents and of social tension, our citizens who live in the US, or who are considering travelling there, should be cautious,” said Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday.

The travel advisory warns Turks of the violence seen during the protests and of rising racist incidents taking place throughout the country.

“Sometimes the protests turn violent and criminal while protesters [are] detained by security forces,” said Turkey’s travel advisory.

The ministry formally advised its citizens to “follow local media, to follow the warning of our embassy in Washington and American security forces, to stay away from protests, to increase their security in work space and to apply to local security when there is a racist or xenophobic attack while keeping calm”.

Prompted by President-elect Trump’s campaign rhetoric including his call to build a wall along the US-Mexico border and ban Muslims from entering the country, thousands of Americans have taken to the streets since November 9, to protest against his shock 2016 presidential election victory.

Donald Trump didn't win today.

Hate won
Fear won
Racism won
Sexism won
Homophobia won
Self interest won#NOTmypresident#trump

— S.Moss (@LamborghiniBow) November 9, 2016

Cities including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago have been the stage of daily demonstrations.

#NotMyPresident’: Thousands #protest#Trump in rallies across the #USAwashingtonpost</a> <a href="https://t.co/egAW3hEDCL">https://t.co/egAW3hEDCL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TrumpProtests?src=hash">#TrumpProtests</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StopHate?src=hash">#StopHate</a></p>&mdash; John Lloyd (jalloyd4) November 11, 2016

A protest last week in the city of Portland, along the US’ west coast, has been described by police as a “riot”.:http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/11/11/501685976/anti-trump-protest-in-portland-ore-turns-destructive-declared-a-riot

Group is leveling the pearl. I'm in shock. #TrumpRiotpic.twitter.com/smLgvEoRQ5

— Mike Bivins (@itsmikebivins) November 11, 2016

Due to extensive criminal and dangerous behavior, protest is now considered a riot. Crowd has been advised.

— Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) November 11, 2016

A man was shot in Portland during an anti-Trump demonstration.

The Foreign Ministry’s statement, reported Turkey’s Daily Hurriyet newspaper, deliberately mentioned the protests taking place in Portland, and warned similar incidents could continue throughout the country.

“It has been understood from protesters’ social media accounts that the protests will continue for a while,” the warning said.

The United States has had a travel advisory on Turkey since October 24, citing instability in the country’s Kurdish southeast and mounting threats made against US citizens, interests and US Embassy staff.

Election backlash

Racist and hate crime attacks have been on the rise since President-elect Trump’s victory.

According to the Southern Poverty Law Centre (SPLC), an anti-hate crime Washington lobby, there has been a rash of “hate crimes reported”.:https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2016/11/11/over-200-incidents-hateful-harassment-and-intimidation-election-day
https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2016/11/11/over-200-incidents-hateful-harassment-and-intimidation-election-day

More than 200 racist incidents involving intimidation and harassment have been documented as of November 11, says the SPLC.

The majority of incidents target blacks but attacks have also been reported against immigrants, Muslims and LGBT groups.

Some even target Trump supporters themselves.

In an interview with CBS on Sunday, during which President-elect Trump was challenged on whether he was aware of racial incidents done in his name and during which he was given a moment to speak to his supporters directly, Trump urged non-violence.

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“I would say don’t do it, that’s terrible, because I’m gonna bring this country together,” Trump said to CBS’ Lesley Stahl. “I am so saddened to hear that. And I say, ‘Stop it.’ If it helps. I will say this, and I will say right to the cameras: Stop it.”

.realDonaldTrump</a> addresses reports of violence: "Stop it" <a href="https://t.co/PGBVkXyvcE">https://t.co/PGBVkXyvcE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/60Minutes?src=hash">#60Minutes</a> <a href="https://t.co/n0dlBqeVU8">pic.twitter.com/n0dlBqeVU8</a></p>&mdash; 60 Minutes (60Minutes) November 14, 2016

Trump has vowed he will be a president for all Americans following his election victory, saying he will help the nation come together.

Such a beautiful and important evening! The forgotten man and woman will never be forgotten again. We will all come together as never before

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 9, 2016

But on November 10 Trump took to twitter to voice his displeasure at “professional” protesters unhappy with this election victory.

Just had a very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 11, 2016

Only to backtrack a few hours later.

Love the fact that the small groups of protesters last night have passion for our great country. We will all come together and be proud!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 11, 2016

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