Protesters in post-quake Van demand local authorities’ resignation

PanARMENIAN.Net - A violent clash occurred today between protesters and police forces in Van at the scene of the collapsed Bayram Hotel.

A group of protesters gathered around the collapsed Bayram Hotel to protest Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay and Munir Karaloglu, the governor of Van province in eastern Turkey, as they were preparing to depart the scene following their visit.

The group began throwing stones at the police forces, while shouting chants and calling for the governor to resign. Police forces responded with tear gas, turning the protest into a confrontation. DHA reported that the clashes were still continuing.

The Bayram Hotel collapsed last night when a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck the eastern province of Van, leaving eight dead and more than 20 wounded. The collapsed buildings gave way to voices of anger regarding the lack of precautions the government was expected to take following the previous 7.2-magnitude earthquake that had hit the province only weeks ago, claiming 600 lives, Hurriyet reported.