Istanbul authorities have taken enhanced security measures in areas adjacent to the central Taksim Square to prevent unauthorized May Day demonstrations. Almost 300 people have been detained for attempting to organize spontaneous demonstrations not sanctioned by the authorities, the Association of Modern Lawyers reported
According to its data, at least 13 people, mostly young people, were detained by the police in the Sisli district. Detentions were also carried out in the Besiktas district. According to human rights activists, five lawyers – representatives of this association – were among those detained, but this information has not been confirmed by the authorities.
Istanbul authorities have allowed trade unions to hold May Day demonstrations only in two districts on the Asian side of Istanbul – Kadikoy and Kartal. About 40 thousand police officers are involved in ensuring security on Labor and Solidarity Day celebrated in Turkey on May 1, the Habert rk TV channel reported. According to its information, no serious incidents have been recorded so far. Since early morning, several metro lines have been partially closed, changes have been made to the operation of ground transportation, ferry crossings, and almost all highways leading to Taksim Square, as well as Saraçhane Park, where the city hall is located, have been closed.
The Istanbul authorities have not allowed mass demonstrations on May 1 in Taksim Square for many years. They make an exception for trade union representatives, who are given the opportunity to lay flowers at the Republic Monument in the center of the square in memory of the more than 200 demonstrators who died there in 1977 and to make a statement to the press. Since Wednesday, the square has been fenced off with metal bars and police cordons have been set up. Foreign tourists who need to return to the airport suffer the most from the increased security measures in the Taksim area. To catch a bus or a taxi, they must pass through a fenced area, sometimes several square kilometers long.
May Day demonstrations are also taking place in other cities of Turkey, including the capital Ankara, under heightened security measures. The head of the Interior Ministry of the republic, Ali Yerlikaya, reported that the authorities have allocated 127 open areas for demonstrations in 79 provinces.