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Turkish riot policeman prepares to use tear gas against woman 1
A Turkish riot policeman prepares to use teargas against a woman as people protest against the destruction of trees in a park brought about by a pedestrian project, in Taksim Square, Istanbul.
A Turkish riot policeman prepares to use teargas against a woman as people protest against the destruction of trees in a park brought about by a pedestrian project, in Taksim Square, Istanbul.

'Woman in red' sprayed with teargas becomes symbol of Turkey protests

This article is more than 10 years old
Images of a smartly dressed woman being sprayed with teargas by a riot policeman during protests in Istanbul's Taksim Square have been shared on social media around the world

Istanbul's police chief had said his forces would only use teargas as a last resort. But the images seem to show the officer targeting an unarmed woman.

A Turkish policeman uses tear gas on a woman protesting in Gezi Park, Istanbul
A Turkish policeman uses tear gas on a woman protesting in Gezi Park, Istanbul Photograph: Osman Orsal/Reuters


The woman's hair is blown upwards as she turns away from the officer.

Turkish riot policeman uses tear gas against woman
A Turkish riot policeman uses tear gas against the woman. Photograph: Osman Orsal/REUTERS


The officer closes in on the woman.

Turkish riot policeman uses tear gas against woman 4
The riot police officer closes in on the woman. Photograph: Osman Orsal/REUTERS

The officer continues to use teargas as the woman turns away.

Turkish riot policeman uses tear gas 5
All photographs: Osman Orsal/REUTERS

The woman covers her mouth as the officer goes on to spray the crowds of demonstrators behind her.

The images have been widely shared on social media and have spawned cartoons and graffiti across the country and beyond.

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