Turkish Police Detained A CNN Journalist While He Was Reporting On Air

"I am being kicked," Ivan Watson told the camera before it was cut.

On Saturday, CNN journalist Ivan Watson was reporting from Istanbul's iconic Taksim Square on the one-year anniversary of the Gezi Park protests, which sparked waves of demonstrations against the government and subsequent police crackdowns.

On anniversary of Gezi Park protests, looks like there are more police in Taksim/Istiklal areas of downtown Istanbul than tourists. #Turkey

Watson, standing near a police line, described the city's heavy security presence. Police ordered Gezi Park closed Saturday to prevent expected protests.

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Then plainclothes officers suddenly surrounded him. We are being detained," Watson told viewers. "I'm being kicked," he added before the camera cut.

Police soon after released the CNN crew. Watson explained on Twitter that police did not believe his official Turkish press card was real.

Turkish police detained me and my crew in the middle of a live report in Taksim Square. One officer kneed me in the butt.

Turkish police released CNN team after half an hour. Officer apologized for another officer who kneed me while I was being detained. 1/2

Turkish police officer wasn't satisfied w/my press card from prime ministry. "Many are counterfeited," he said, demanding passport 2/2

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