Veterans with enlisted and non-commissioned officer status marched toward Turkish Parliament in Ankara; police set up barricades

Veterans from families of fallen soldiers and those with enlisted and non-commissioned officer status who traveled to Ankara from all 81 provinces of Turkey escalated their sit-in, which they have maintained at Güvenpark since July 13, into a march today. The group moved toward the Turkish Grand National Assembly with demands to equalize salaries and social rights that are currently differentiated by rank.

Riot police units set up barricades along the route of the march and halted the advance. Scuffles broke out in front of the barricade; some veterans attempted to break through, chanting "Shame on you."

Veterans with enlisted and non-commissioned officer status argue that compared to officers and non-commissioned officers, they do not benefit equally from personnel and social rights. Ümit Özdağ, Chair of the Victory Party, made a visit in support of the protest.

The Güvenpark protests have drawn attention previously due to similar demands; however, no legislative regulation to equalize these rights has been enacted to date.