The protests that started on May 31 in Istanbul after riot police attacked environmental activists, and which subsequently became a wider protest movement against what is deemed the authoritarian rule of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, have been hailed by commentators who are critical of the Turkish government. These commentators note that the protests amount to a rebellion against the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), which they hold has governed – especially since the 2011 election – without showing due respect for the other half of the population that did not vote for it. However, several leading pro-AKP commentators have also joined the chorus of critics by expressing criticism against the way Erdoğan has reacted to the protests. They implore the prime minister to moderate his stance and show empathy for those who are protesting.