WASHINGTON -- The White House expressed its concern Monday over the protests in Turkey, urging all parties to refrain from violence.

"We continue to follow the events in Turkey closely and with concern," said White House spokesman Jay Carney at a briefing.

He reiterated America's support for freedom of expression and assembly, describing the right to peaceful protest as "fundamental to any democracy."

A total of 173 people were injured in clashes between protesters and policemen in during nationwide protests in the past week, said the Turkish authorities Monday.

Turkish Interior Minister Muammer Guler said at least 115 police officers and 58 protesters were injured in the demonstrations which started last week by a group of protesters in Gezi Park to stand guard against the uprooting of trees.

Carney said at the briefing that Washington has "serious concerns" about reports of excessive use of force by Turkish police during confrontation with protesters.

"We call on these events to be investigated, and urge all parties to refrain from provoking violence," he said.