US slams eviction of old Roma settlement

US slams eviction of old Roma settlement: "Earlier this week, bulldozers destroyed the few dozen homes that were left in Sulukule despite protests by the area’s remaining residents, a move that the American officials said erased part of Istanbul’s history and disrespected the Roma people. Sulukule is an ancient settlement within the Fatih Municipality, whose mayor, a member of the ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP, ordered the controversial demolition as part of an 'urban redevelopment' program.

'The bulldozing of Sulukule this week by the Turkish government shows a lack of regard for the Romani people,' Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland said."