Video: Turkish protesters defiant after police retreat from Taksim Square Protesters who had camped out at Taksim square were angry over the planned removal of trees in the square, one of the few bits of green in sprawling Istanbul. Hundreds of people were injured in the protests, including four people who permanently lost their eyesight after being hit by gas canister or plastic bullets, according to doctors. Pm Erdogan said the government was determined to revamp Taksim and rebuild the old army barracks but said no firm decision was made on building a shopping mall. The protests broke out just days after Istanbul pitched its bid to host the 2020 Olympic Games to sports and Olympic officials at a conference in St Petersburg. It was also seen as a demonstration of the anger building toward Turkish police, who have been accused of using inordinate force to quash demonstrations and of using tear gas excessively. In another gesture to placate protesters, Mr Erdogan said that police may have used tear gas excessively.