Tensions escalated in the area as police blocked workers who wanted to march to the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.
Miners, who stated that they had not received their salaries and compensation for a long time, reached Ankara after days of marching. During the protest, which also included a hunger strike, the workers wanted to march to the ministry to make their demands heard.
However, security forces erected barricades to prevent the miners from advancing. Clashes occurred between the two sides from time to time, and police reportedly used tear gas during their intervention.
During the protest, the miners also warned the citizens supporting them to refrain from physical intervention and to express their support through slogans. The workers stated that they would continue the struggle until they received their rights.
Experts say the events have brought the problems in working life and the debates about workers' rights back to the agenda, and the outcome of the process is being followed with great interest.
