The ripple effect from the protests springing up in Turkey is being felt across Europe.

The heavy-handed policing seen in Ankara and Istanbul has prompted a show of solidarity across the diaspora, including Germany, with its significant Turkish population.

The sentiment among those gathered outside the Turkish embassy in Berlin is clear.

“The police were too violent with the demonstrators,” said Hakan Tas, a local councillor. “There is talk of a thousand injured, some seriously. There are unconfirmed reports of deaths. We are here to show our solidarity with the people in Turkey and in Taksim Square, and that is why we are here today in Berlin.”

Around 300 people gathered in Amsterdam. They sang the Turkish national anthem and chanted words of support.

“People in Turkey are feeling the pressure under Erdogan’s regime,” said protestor Murat Bahtir. “The creeping influence of Islam, the curtailing of human rights and women’s rights, these things go against the spirit of the Turkish secular republic.”

Spontaneous protests have also been held in Canada and the UK, as well as other cities around the world.