Mass riots in Turkey: Molotov cocktails in action

Mass riots in Turkey continue with episodes of violence. On Monday night, in the city of Izmir, protesters threw Molotov cocktails at a building belonging to the ruling party in the country, Reuters reports.

Photo: AP photos

The fire that broke out in the building was soon extinguished.

A number of government websites in Turkey were hacked, including the official website of the Justice and Development Party (AKP).

The epicenter of demonstrations is located in the center of Istanbul, where city residents built barricades, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Erdogan and his cabinet. Police struggle with aggressive protesters with the use of tear gas. The EU called on the Turkish authorities not to use force and look for ways to solve the problem by means of peace.

The unrest in the country began with an attempt of local activists to rescue Gezi Park in Istanbul - the park was supposed to be destroyed for building another shopping center. Erdogan said that despite the protests, the government would not change its decision, and the park would be destroyed.

Other cities later joined the demonstrations in Istanbul and, on May 31 the unrest developed into mass riots.