ISTANBUL - Turkish authorities Tuesday suspended three policemen as part of a probe into a clampdown on a women's demonstration that caused tensions between Turkey and the European Union, the Anatolia news agency reported.
Inspectors investigating the incident said the three officers had acted disproportionately, the agency said.
The heavy-handed police response to the March 6 demonstration in Istanbul, meant to mark International Women's Day, unleashed harsh EU criticism and raised doubts over Turkey's resolve to abide by the norms of the bloc it is seeking to join.
Police used truncheons and tear gas to disperse what was described as an unauthorized gathering. Several officers were seen hitting and kicking women who had fallen to the ground.
03/15/2005 16:27 GMT