In the Turkish city of Istanbul, police have cracked down on women who took to the streets to mark International Women’s Day. Thousands of women had gathered around the centrally located Taksim Square. Local media report that at least 38 women have been detained.
The authorities had already banned protests and gatherings in the context of March 8 yesterday. A large number of police officers were lined up around the square today. Despite this, women came together. They chanted slogans like “we are not afraid, we do not bow”.
Pepper spray and tear gas
Some women tried to break through the police barriers. They were stopped by officers with shields and pepper spray. Tear gas was also used to disperse groups.
“Even if we just want to march, we will have to deal with the police,” one of the protesters told Reuters news agency.
For years, authorities in the Turkish city have banned protests in and around Taksim Square. Also at Istanbul Pride there is often a strong performance.
Thousands of women had gathered in Istanbul’s central Taksim Square:
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