© AP
The Labor Day was not peaceful everywhere. A total of 210 people were arrested in the Turkish city of Istanbul on Wednesday for trying to gain access to Taksim Square. This was announced by the Turkish Ministry of the Interior.
Wednesday May 1, 2024 at 6:26 PM
Police also used tear gas and rubber bullets against protesters trying to break through barriers near the square.
The Turkish government has closed access to a large part of the center following the announced Labor Day demonstrations. Several access roads are closed to traffic and public transport is partially shut down.
According to Interior Minister Ali Verlikaya, more than 42,000 police have been deployed across Istanbul to prevent “terrorist organizations” from using the holiday for “actions and propaganda.”
Since the large-scale demonstrations in 2013, Taksim Square has become the epicenter of protests against the rule of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Demonstrations are no longer allowed on the square, but trade unions and political organizations still regularly call on their members to meet there. Whereupon the police always intervene with force.
© AP
© AP
© AP