A number of individuals from the Turkish community in Malta are calling for an immediate stop to the violence taking place in Turkey and for the media, authorities, politicians and civil society to support their cause.

These members, who have joined forces in The Chapulling Community of Malta, this morning met Prime Minister Joseph Muscat to explain their wishes of peace and democracy.

In brief comments, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said Malta joins the European community in calling for a peaceful resolution noting that security, democracy and common sense should prevail.

Violent riots broke out in Istanbul, Turkey following harsh police intervention when civil society members, mainly being university students, were protesting against the government’s plans of chopping off trees and eradicating a green area in the city’s largest square, to construct a shopping centre on site.

The protests began 13 days ago and have spread to more than 70 Turkish cities, including the capital Ankara. A number of people have dies, thousands were injured and hundreds were arrested.

The Chapulling Community will be holding a protest march starting at 5pm, near the new Parliament building, in Valletta today.