Turkish protesters demonstrate against landmark Papal visit

CHANTING Islamist slogans and brandishing banners against Western intervention in the Middle East, thousands of people have rallied in Turkey to denounce the visit of Pope Benedict XVI.

The demonstration, organised by the Islamist Felicity Party (SP) and entitled “The Pope is not welcome“, attracted about 15,000 people.

Hundreds of security forces, including riot police, were on watch at the Caglayan square in Istanbul.